News 06:00

BULLETIN 12 November 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC grants minister Senzo Mchunu’s request to step away from party duties
# Paul Mashatile says the government is committed to fast-tracking land redistribution
# And a psychiatric society warns of the health risks linked to sports betting

# The ANC has granted suspended Police minister Senzo Mchunu’s request to temporarily step away from his duties on the party’s national executive committee and national working committee. He had previously requested to be excused from his political duties, but the ANC declined. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has accused Mchunu of being involved with a criminal syndicate that has infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence services. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says Mchunu faces many allegations, which he needs to deal with clarity:

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the government remains committed to accelerating land reform while operating within the Constitution. Answering questions in the National Assembly, Mashatile said Parliament holds the authority to amend the Constitution, and backdating land claims before 1913 is not currently being considered. He also confirmed that the rapid land release programme is underway to provide land, support settlements, and ensure restored land contributes to inclusive economic growth:

# The South African Society of Psychiatrists says sports betting is taking a heavy toll on mental health. As the country observes responsible gambling month, psychiatrists report that calls to the gambling helpline jumped by 623-percent over the past year, problem gambling has risen to 31-percent, with youth referrals tripling. The organisation’s Mahlatse Thosago warns that addiction can lead to depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide:

# The City of Johannesburg is set to launch a new comprehensive integrated transport plan, to make getting around safer and easier. The three-year project will connect roads, buses, trains, cycling paths, and pedestrian routes to create a safer, more reliable, and sustainable transport network. The city says the plan will link people to jobs, schools, and healthcare while reducing congestion and promoting greener transport.

# Cricket: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc hopes for bowler-friendly pitches in the Ashes Series against England, starting in Perth on the 21st. He warned groundsmen not to flatten surfaces to try and extend matches to five days, saying it would suit the visitors’ attack. Starc says it would be a problem if the focus was rather on revenue than on quality cricket. The next three Tests will be played in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Melbourne, with the final one starting in Sydney on January 4th.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-14-cents and the euro at 19-rand-81-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-56-cents and Bitcoin trades at 106-thousand-584-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-135-dollars-1-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-74-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Ghana’s Asante king has welcomed the return of 130 gold and bronze artefacts from the UK and South Africa, some of which were looted during colonial times. The items included royal regalia, drums, and ceremonial gold weights, dating back to the 1870s, and reveal the cultural role gold played in Asante society. Twenty-five of the pieces were donated by British art historian Hermione Waterfield, and the rest by the South African mining company AngloGold Ashanti. Officials from AngloGold Ashanti said the gesture was made as an act of cultural respect and reconciliation.

Stay tuned for more news………….