News 11:00

BULLETIN 22 November 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says the Leaders’ Declaration will be adopted
# The PSA welcomes the proposed extension of driving licence validity
# And cricket: South Africa won the toss and elected to bat in the 2nd Test against India

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated that the Leaders’ Declaration will be adopted and signed at the end of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Sunday. This comes as the G20 sherpas reached an agreement on a declaration on Friday, without seeking US consensus. This is a victory for South Africa, which had been insisting on a declaration, rather than a Chair’s Statement. Speaking at a working dinner with African heads of state yesterday evening, Ramaphosa said getting the declaration adopted is imperative:

Ramaphosa has also urged international partners to maintain momentum and make bold, transformative commitments to tackle global health challenges. Speaking at the 8th Global Fund Replenishment Summit in Nasrec, Johannesburg, he emphasised the fund’s transformative ability to secure a healthy global community. Ramaphosa also applauded the support provided to South Africa to fight this pandemic:

And staying with the G20: World Wide Worx CEO Arthur Goldstuck says the G20 Summit has a major opportunity to push digital transformation through public infrastructure. Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in Nasrec, Johannesburg, Goldstuck emphasised that reliable infrastructure, broad digital skills, and supportive regulation are needed to build secure identity systems, modern payments, and connectivity for inclusion. He stressed that skills development is especially key for Africa’s youth, enabling access to economic and digital participation as the continent embraces new technology. 

# Justice minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says government is assessing findings emerging from the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee. This follows probes into claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on criminal infiltration and interference in the justice system. Briefing Members of Parliament, Kubayi said urgent issues are being addressed and nothing prevents the law from taking its course. She also reaffirmed heightened security in courts after serious breaches.

# The Public Servants Association welcomes the Transport Minister’s proposal to extend ordinary driving licence validity from five to eight years, noting it will ease congestion, reduce costs for motorists, and improve service delivery. The organisation’s Claude Naicker says that while the PSA had proposed ten years, it supports this initiative. Naicker urged the Department of Transport to ensure the Driving Licence Card Account remains financially sustainable and that employees and timelines are protected:

# And cricket: South African captain, Temba Bavuma, won the toss and chose to bat first on the first morning of the second Test against India at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. South Africa made one change to the starting XI, which stunned the home side with a 30-run victory in the first test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata last week. All-rounder Corbin Bosch was replaced by left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy. The home side replaced injured captain, Shubman Gill, with Sai Sudharsan in their starting XI. The lunchtime score was 156 for 2.

Stay tuned for more news………….