News 14:00

BULLETIN 2 December 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deputy Justice minister Andries Nel leads the South African delegation at the ICC Assembly
# South Africa will strengthen relations with Mozambique at the fourth Bi-National Commission
# And rugby: The Blitzboks plan to rectify Dubai’s mistakes before the Cape Town tournament

# The deputy minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, is leading South Africa’s delegation to the 24th session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. The week-long meeting will see delegates discussing challenges facing the statute, with states expected to adopt resolutions on the court’s functioning and the Trust Fund for Victims. Nel says South Africa’s participation underscores its dedication to international justice, accountability, and ensuring victims’ voices remain central.

# President Cyril Ramaphosa will participate in the fourth South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission in Maputo today and tomorrow. The commission is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The Presidency says it will assess progress made in the implementation of decisions and commitments, enhance economic cooperation and explore new areas of trade and investment, and share views on continental and global issues of mutual interest. Ramaphosa will also attend the official launch of the Sasol Hydrocarbons Processing Integrated Infrastructure in Inhassoro.

# The DA has expressed concern at reports that the Competition Commission has imposed transformation conditions on the plan to turn Curro schools into a non-profit organisation. Curro already serves over 70-thousand learners, with 85-percent from historically disadvantaged communities. The DA’s Toby Chance says they oppose any attempt by authorities to turn this genuinely transformative measure into any kind of black economic empowerment deal, which would be racialism dressed up as transformation:

# Rugby: Springboks Sevens coach Philip Snyman says they will rectify the mishaps from Dubai in this coming weekend’s world series tournament in Cape Town. The Blitzboks beat France in Dubai before losing to Fiji and Argentina, but bounced back on Sunday to end fifth and earn 12 points. Snyman says this gave them some positives after their disappointing opening day in the tournament they’ve won 11 times in the past. He says they have enough to work on when they defend their title in the Mother City.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-12-cents and the euro at 19-rand-87-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-60-cents and Bitcoin trades at 86-thousand-913-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-189-dollars-14-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 62-dollars-89-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The Western Cape government says niche tourism is a catalyst for economic growth and job creation, and rail tourism is emerging as one of the most exciting opportunities. In 2023, the sector contributed an estimated 28.6-billion-rand in gross value added to the provincial economy and supported over 257-thousand jobs. MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer, says by investing in niche experiences like rail tourism, the provincial government is creating opportunities that go beyond leisure:

Stay tuned for more news………….