News 16:00

BULLETIN 11 November 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The EMPD’s deputy chief is suspended with immediate effect
# South Africa’s official unemployment rate falls slightly in the third quarter
# And rugby: A Bok assistant coach expects a very dangerous Italian side on Saturday

# Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief, Julius Mkhwanazi, has been placed on suspension with immediate effect. The move follows various testimonies at the Madlanga commission linking Mkhwanazi to alleged corrupt deals. These include authorising blue-light privileges for controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and awarding tenders without proper process.

# South Africa’s official unemployment rate fell slightly in the third quarter, to 31.9-percent from 33.2-percent in the second quarter. Statistics South Africa says the number of unemployed people decreased to eight-million in the period July to September from 8.3-million in the quarter from April to June. Six of the ten industries tracked by the agency recorded employment increases, while four saw decreases in the latest three-month period. Jobs were added in construction, community and social services and trade, while jobs were lost in manufacturing, finance and utilities.

Meanwhile, Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO Denise van Huyssteen says Finance minister Enoch Godongwana has an opportunity to unlock South Africa’s economic potential by supporting small businesses in his mid-term budget tomorrow. Van Huyssteen says micro, small and medium enterprises make up 90-percent of formal businesses, yet face red tape, poor infrastructure, and funding challenges. She adds that boosting tourism, digital enterprise, and regulatory reform could spur inclusive growth and job creation.

# Rugby: Springbok assistant coach Tony Brown says they are not taking Italy lightly, as they are a dangerous side. Both teams are coming into Saturday’s clash in Turin with confidence, with South Africa beating France 32-17 and Italy seeing off Australia 26-19. Brown says the Italians pose a massive threat at the breakdown, and they are also very dangerous when they get space and opportunities:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-14-cents and the euro at 19-rand-84-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-55-cents and Bitcoin trades at 105-thousand-and-37-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-138-dollars-77-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-37-cents a barrel.

# And finally, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has reiterated its call for strengthened disability inclusion across all sectors of society. It’s Disability Rights Awareness Month in South Africa, raising awareness for people with disabilities and promoting their inclusion and rights. The department’s spokesperson, Cassius Selala, says persons with disabilities must be meaningfully involved in policy development, planning, budgeting, and programme implementation:

Stay tuned for more news………….