News 06:00

BULLETIN 5 November 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa receives the G20 task team report on global inequality
# The Election Commission proposes changes to the Electoral Act
# And cricket: Pakistan beat South Africa by two wickets in the first ODI

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the report of the G20 extraordinary committee of independent experts on global inequality. The report, led by Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz, examines the drivers of inequality and provides practical steps to reduce the wealth gap. Ramaphosa told the media that inequality threatens democracy, human dignity, and inclusive growth. He added that South Africa’s G20 Presidency will use the report to guide discussions at the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg later this month:

Meanwhile, Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz says global inequality is a serious problem that affects health, education, and the economy. He and UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima, yesterday, handed the report to Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Stiglitz proposes an international panel on inequality to guide governments on fairer policies. He urged the G20 to act, as inequality is a choice that can be addressed with knowledge and cooperation:

# The Electoral Commission has proposed amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of next year’s local government elections. Deputy chief electoral officer Masego Sheburi says while the election date has not been officially set, the IEC is ready to hold the municipal elections on the first Wednesday of November, pending consultation with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and the cabinet:

# Government has welcomed the significant increase in international tourist arrivals between January and September. The Department of Tourism confirmed more than 7.6-million tourist arrivals, reflecting sustained recovery and renewed confidence in South Africa as a premier global tourism destination. This is an increase of more than 1.1-million visitors compared to the same period in 2024, with strong growth from key markets in Africa, Europe, and Asia. The rising numbers also affirm the government’s efforts to expand the tourism sector, stimulate economic growth, and create much-needed jobs.

# Former US president George W Bush has paid tribute to former vice-president, Dick Cheney. The 84-year-old, who served under Bush passed away due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney was a central figure in the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the US and allied forces. Bush says history will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation, a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held.

# Cricket: Pakistan defeated South Africa by two wickets in Faisalabad, to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Quinton de Kock top scored with 63 off 71 balls, while debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored 57 as the Proteas were bowled out 263 in 49.1 overs. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets each. In reply, Salman Agha scored 62 runs as the hosts reached the target with two balls left to spare. The second ODI will be played at the same venue tomorrow.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-49-cents and the euro at 20-rand-9-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-78-cents and Bitcoin trades at 101-thousand-76-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-936-dollars-8-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-9-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….