News 15:00

BULLETIN 29 December 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Competition Commission warns schools about exclusive supplier deals
# Cautious optimism about the country’s economic growth for 2026
# And, zero tolerance enforced as return traffic surges in KZN

# The Competition Commission is urging schools to comply with pro-competitive processes when entering stationery and uniform supplier agreements. This comes as parents begin stationary and uniform shopping ahead of schools opening. Speaking to SABC News, principal analyst Karabo Motaung says such agreements are not illegal, but become problematic as many contracts were concluded without competitive processes. She recommends agreements be limited to five-years to allow new suppliers into the market:

Commenting on the same issue, the National Association of School Governing Bodies has criticised exclusive stationery and uniform supplier agreements in schools, saying they inflate prices and place unfair pressure on parents. General-secretary Matakanye Matakanye is calling on schools to scrap long-standing contracts and allow parents to buy from affordable suppliers of their choice. He highlighted that the high costs associated with single suppliers leads to victimisation of children whose parents cannot afford the high prices:

# Northwest University economist Professor Raymond Parsons projects cautious optimism for the South African economy in 2026. He notes modest GDP growth of around 1.6 percent, highlighting supportive factors such as budget measures, credit rating upgrades, and interest rate cuts. Parsons stresses that effective structural reforms are crucial for boosting investment, creating jobs, and sustaining confidence. He warns risks like crime and global uncertainties could hinder economic recovery if not addressed:

# The Department of Transport and Human Settlements Authorities recorded heavy return traffic in KwaZulu-Natal this morning as festive season travel continues. Departmental spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya says more than 600 vehicles passed through the Mariannhill Toll Plaza between 6 and 7 this morning. The Road Traffic Inspectorate maintained high visibility under the #NenzaniLaEzweni operation. Sibiya says multiple drunk driving arrests were made in Newcastle, supported by SAPS and local traffic authorities:

# Soccer: Zimbabwe’s Warriors are targeting a historic first progression to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations last-16 as they face Southern African rivals Bafana Bafana in a Group B clash in Marrakech today. It’s their first meeting at AFCON finals, with both teams in contention. A draw is enough for Bafana, who are unbeaten in four matches against Zimbabwe. Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba has urged his side to stay focused:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-62-cents and the euro at 19-rand-56-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-46-cents to the dollar and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-587-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-459-dollars-91-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 61-dollars-35-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….