News 14:00

BULLETIN 4 December 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The suspended EMPD deputy chief concedes his role in donated vehicles after questioning
# Minister Tau says economic transformation is non-negotiable
# And rugby: The Bok coach is pleased with the World Cup draw but is expecting a tough challenge

# Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi told the Madlanga commission that four donated vehicles from Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s company, CAT VIP Protection, were never issued to the EMPD. He denied facilitating their transfer or installing blue lights, saying he only sought donations to expand the fleet. Evidence leader Mahlape Sello challenged his denial, and under cross-questioning by commissioner Sandile Khumalo, Mkhwanazi later conceded he facilitated the process:

# Trade, Industry and Competition minister, Parks Tau, has reaffirmed that South Africa’s economic transformation is a constitutional and moral imperative. He says the proposed Transformation Fund is a key instrument aimed at shifting the economy towards greater inclusivity. Tau warns that slow progress, non-compliance and fronting continue to undermine efforts to redress apartheid’s economic legacy:

# The International Relations Department will submit a new discussion paper on Israel to cabinet early next year. Director-General Zane Dangor told Members of Parliament that the document outlines South Africa’s legal duties regarding Israel’s violations of international law. Meanwhile, the EFF pressed government over delays in implementing a previous parliamentary resolution to shut down South Africa’s mission in Tel Aviv. DIRCO officials explained that although no diplomatic staff operate there politically, South Africa still maintains essential consular services due to travel requirements in the region.

# The African Development Bank plans 30.7-billion-rand of financing for Namibia over the next few years, backing projects in sectors such as transport, energy and water. A spokesperson for the bank says the financing is part of it’s strategy to support Namibia’s economic growth until 2030, and the total amount of financing could change as it will be reviewed halfway through that period. The majority of the money will be in the form of loans, though there will also be a grant component.

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is pleased with the draw for 2027’s World Cup. South Africa, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title, is in Pool B alongside Italy, Georgia, and Romania. Erasmus says there have been surprises in the tournament before, so they will need to be up mentally and physically for every match. He adds he is expecting nothing less than extremely physical encounters against all three of their pool opponents.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-99-cents and the euro at 19-rand-83-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-68-cents and Bitcoin trades at 93-thousand-312-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-199-dollars-62-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 62-dollars-77-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….