News 06:00

BULLETIN 23 October 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA calls on president Ramaphosa to act swiftly on the Thembi Simelane matter
# The EFF accuses the government of deliberately collapsing Transnet
# And Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel part ways

# DA spokesperson Glynnis Breytenbach has urged president Cyril Ramaphosa to address the ongoing scandal involving Justice minister Thembi Simelane. Breytenbach raised concern as nearly three months after it was revealed that Simelane received a questionable loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions, linked to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, no action has been taken. Breytenbach claims this raises serious concerns about Simelane’s role and undermines the justice system’s integrity. She demands transparency and swift action to protect public trust and the credibility of legal institutions.

# The EFF says it is clear that Transnet is on the brink of collapse. This is despite Transport minister Barbara Creecy telling Parliament’s standing committee on Public Accounts that the state-owned entity is on the road to recovery. Transnet reported a financial loss of 7.3-billion-rand during the year ended March 2024, however, it forecasts a profit of one-billion-rand next year if the private sector responds to its call for help. The EFF’s, Mazwi Blose, has accused the government of deliberately collapsing Transnet:

# Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has urged residents to stay vigilant as heavy rains cause flooding across the province. Relief centres are housing evacuees, and an Orange Level 6 warning remains in effect. Mabuyane confirmed the tragic death of a 70-year-old man trapped by rising waters. He assures residents that the provincial government is assisting displaced families:

# The United States is set to announce strong new sanctions as early as next week, with targets including parties in countries that support Russia’s military. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the new sanctions will target those facilitating the Kremlin’s war machine, including intermediaries in third countries that are supplying Russia with critical inputs for its military. Her comments come as world financial leaders gather in Washington this week for the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. At the same time, BRICS countries are meeting in Russia.

# Rugby: The Springbok Women will face Brazil in their first group D match of next year’s World Cup in England. The encounter in Northampton on the 24th of August will be followed by group games against Italy in York, and France, again in Northampton. The hostesses will open the tournament against the USA in Sunderland near Newcastle on the 22nd of August, and defending champions New Zealand will take on Spain in York two days later. The final will be played in London on 27 September.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-52-cents and the euro at 16-rand-93-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-76-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-480-dollar-90-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-747-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-56-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel have decided to divorce after nine years of marriage. They were married in 2016 and have two children together. In a joint statement, they say this decision comes from a place of love, respect, and understanding that this is the best path forward for both of them. They added that they have vowed to remain great friends in the best interest of the children and also continue working together on the Kolisi Foundation.

Stay tuned for more news………….