News 06:00

BULLETIN 4 January 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africans are asked to adopt budgeting as a lifestyle
# Screening is intensified at border posts to prevent the spread of cholera
# And cricket, a record number of wickets fall on the first day at Newlands

# Financial experts are encouraging South Africans to adopt budgeting as a lifestyle, emphasising the importance of making every rand count. Old Mutual’s head of Financial Education, John Manyike, told eNCA budgeting as a crucial financial discipline is necessary for overall financial well-being. He points out while some South Africans create budgets, adherence to the budget remains a challenge for many:

# The Department of Health has responded to the cholera outbreak in neighbouring countries by intensifying health screening and education at land ports of entry. Collaborating with stakeholders like the Border Management Authority, efforts are aimed at preventing cross-border transmission. Spokesperson Foster Mohale has urged travellers returning from cholera-endemic areas, including Zimbabwe, to be vigilant, cooperate with health officials, and be transparent about symptoms:

# The Thabo Mbeki Foundation has refuted rumours circulating on social media about the death of the former South African president. The foundation says Mbeki is in good health, and urged caution when consuming information from social media. Similar false reports circulated in 2016 and resurfaced in 2021. The foundation confirmed that Mbeki is expected to be involved in the political landscape, particularly as the country approaches the general elections.

# Pikitup has taken measures to clean up Johannesburg after the holidays. To address the uncollected refuse, it stated that measures have been taken to reinforce staff and ensure waste collection. Concrete, swivel, and skip bins have been placed in the inner city, while Expanded Public Works Programme workers are assisting in the absence of permanent staff. The utility expects its permanent staff to return to work by mid-January.

# Sweden recorded its coldest January night in 25 years yesterday, with a reading of minus 43.6 degrees Celsius in the far north as a cold snap hit the country and neighbouring Finland. In January 1999, a temperature of minus 49 degrees Celsius was recorded in Sweden, which then tied the record set in 1951. Several other weather stations recorded temperatures of below minus 40 degrees in Sweden’s northern parts.

# Cricket: South Africa will resume their second innings on 62 for three on the second day of the second and final Test against India at Newlands in Cape Town after a record of 23 wickets fell yesterday. The Proteas were first skittled out for a meagre 55. Mohammed Siraj took six wickets and Kyle Verreyne and David Bedingham were the only local players to achieve double figures. India then went to 153 for four before Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada took three wickets apiece in the next two overs without any runs being added.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-71-cents and the euro at 20-rand-44-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-71-cents and Bitcoin trades at 42-thousand-748-dollars-40-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-43-dollars-22-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-43-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….