NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 4 January 12 pm

Good afternoon,

In this bulletin:

# The stability of the Parliament building’s roof is still not confirmed
# Tesla shares are at a record highest daily increase in ten months
# And cricket: Bangladesh is on verge of a historic victory in New Zealand

# The City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse says a preliminary inspection is currently taking place in the National Assembly building. He says as of now the stability of the roof is still not confirmed. The inspection is anticipated to end today. He was speaking to the media outside Parliament:

Play sound: ENG Parliament fire

Meanwhile, the presiding officers at Parliament thanked firefighters who worked until late last night when the fire at Parliament flared up. A spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, says around 30 firefighters battled to extinguish the blaze in strong wind. The fourth and fifth floors of the new wing, above the National Assembly, are now completely gutted:

Play sound: Media Management, 4 Jan Fire at Parliament

# Shares in electric car manufacturer Tesla recorded the highest daily increase in almost ten months yesterday, gaining 13.5-percent. It stood at over 19-thousand-rand each, attributed to record deliveries for the fourth quarter of 2021. Reuters reports this allayed fears of supply chain limitations for carmakers. Tesla was founded by South African-born entrepreneur Elon Musk. Analysts expect the strong delivery numbers to enhance expectations for this year, bolstered by the pace of expansion at its new factories in Germany and the United States.

# Cricket: Bangladesh is on the verge of a historic victory over World Test champions New Zealand. The visitors have never before tasted success in New Zealand, losing all 33 matches played across three formats, including nine Tests. The hosts have a small 17 run lead, but they’ve already lost five wickets on the fourth day of the first Test in Mount Manganui. Ross Taylor on 37 and Rachin Ravindra on 6 will resume New Zealand’s second innings tomorrow.

# Financial indicators: The dollar is trading at 15-rand-97-cents and the euro at 18-rand-02-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-55-cents and Bitcoin trades at 46-thousand-516-dollar-40-cents. Gold is selling at one thousand-801-dollars-85-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 79-dollars-22-cents a barrel.

# And, finally: One of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves in the Eastern Cape is embracing the mountain bike trend. A spokesperson says guests will now have the option of a tailored mountain bike experience at Shamwari and can cycle among the world-famous Addo elephants. The ranger manager, Andrew Kearney, says the rides in the bush are suitable for people who cycle regularly and are reasonably fit. It is a chance to encounter a variety of wildlife. Kearney says safety is a priority and two experienced guides accompany each group.

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