News 09:00
BULLETIN 29 November 9 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# The National Health Insurance Bill is criticised for sidelining public input
# SECTION27 and CASAC launch the Democracy and Constitutionalism report
# And, the ANC criticises political parties for opposing Iran’s inclusion in the BRICS bloc
# Business for South Africa has criticised the National Health Insurance Bill for sidelining public input. The chairperson of the organisation’s steering committee, Martin Kingston, argues that despite detailed comments and submissions, the bill is being rushed through without considering the collected input. He stresses the need for a thoughtful and considered approach to universal health care, expressing concerns about potential legal challenges if the process is not thorough. Kingston urges a more inclusive approach to avoid legal disputes and ensure the success of the proposed healthcare overhaul.
# SECTION27 and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution have launched a conference report titled Democracy and Constitutionalism: Civic Education Conference Report and Keywords. The report brings into focus the importance of civic education at a time when South Africa is preparing for elections next year, which are widely viewed as the most significant since 1994. SECTION27’s spokesperson, Pearl Nicodemus, says the current state of basic services and the deterioration of governance calls for deeper civil society action:
# The DA in Gauteng says the provincial adjustment budget for the 2023/2024 financial year is full of empty promises. MEC for Finance Jacob Mamabolo delivered the budget yesterday, adjusting it from 158.9-billion-rand to 163.5-billion-rand. The DA’s, Solly Msimanga, says the MEC failed to outline how the provincial government intends to create more employment opportunities, improve the quality of life of residents, eradicate poverty, and clamp down on corruption and crime:
# The ANC has hit back at political parties opposing Iran’s inclusion in the BRICS bloc, labelling its hypocrisy. During a parliamentary debate on the recent BRICS Parliamentary Forum, the DA questioned South Africa’s acceptance of Iran, citing its human rights record, while the ANC defended the decision. The IFP cautioned against excluding potential trade relations, and the EFF called for an end to the use of the US dollar as the global currency of trade. The debate highlighted divisions among political parties regarding South Africa’s approach to BRICS partnerships.
# Soccer: Defending champions Manchester City fought back from two goals down to beat RB Leipzig three-two and secure the top spot in the Champions League Group G. RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda scored two goals inside 40 minutes, but City fought back in the second half with goals from Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Julian Alvarez. Barcelona also came back from a goal behind to beat FC Porto two-one and seal a spot in the last 16. Newcastle had to settle for a one-all draw against Paris Saint-Germain in Group F.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-56-cents and the euro at 20-rand-42-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-60-cents and Bitcoin trades at 37-thousand-896-dollars-93-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-44-dollars-41-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 81-dollars-40-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….