News 17:00

BULLETIN 27 October 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA vows to hold authorities to account over the 2.3-billion-rand Tembisa Hospital heist
# Trump will meet China’s president Xi on Thursday
# And Mami Diale is elected as the new president of Netball South Africa

# The DA says criminal charges must be fast-tracked against tenderpreneur Hangwani Maumela and other Tembisa Hospital kingpins. This follows reports that Maumela bought a 52-million-rand Italian hypercar while allegedly siphoning 816-million-rand from hospital contracts. The party’s Jack Bloom says the money could have funded dozens of doctors, nurses, or new medical equipment. He warns political connections should not delay justice in the 2.3-billion-rand scandal:

# The National Prosecuting Authority has successfully opposed bail for 52-year-old teacher Vuyokazi Gana, accused of trafficking, running a brothel, and profiting from prostitution. The East London Magistrate’s Court ruled no exceptional circumstances justified her release. Gana, arrested on the 15t of this month, allegedly coerced young women into prostitution. The NPA’s Luxolo Tyali says the court highlighted the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect victims:

Meanwhile, the Commission for Gender Equality warns the withdrawal of sexual offences cases by victims is weakening South Africa’s fight against gender-based violence. In Mpumalanga, fear, intimidation, and lack of support have led to a 14.2-percent rise in case withdrawals. The commission says poor coordination, DNA testing backlogs, and shortages of prosecutors and forensic staff further delay justice. CEO Dennis Matotoka urges stronger collaboration and accountability to protect survivors:

Moving abroad: 

# US president Donald Trump arrived in Japan today on the next leg of an Asia tour that could see him and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping end their bruising trade war. Speaking on Air Force One, Trump said he was hopeful of a deal when he sees Xi on Thursday, while also indicating he was willing to extend his trip in order to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump is expected to meet the new Japanese prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, tomorrow.

# Netball South Africa’s deputy president, Mami Diale, has been elected as the new president, succeeding Cecilia Molokwane after her eight-year tenure. Diale told SABC News the newly elected leadership is honoured by the confidence shown by the netball community. She pledged to strengthen grassroots development, improving player welfare, and expanding the sport’s reach while Netball South Africa prepares for the next competitive cycle:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-20-cents and the euro at 20-rand-3-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-95-cents and Bitcoin trades at 115-thousand-126-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-39-dollars-30-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-27-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….