News 06:00

BULLETIN 29 September 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Lamola says racism, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to persist
# Mapisa-Nqakula denies a two-million-rand bribe for her husband’s promotion
# And, the five men arrested for terror offences in Britain are released on bail

# Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola says racism and related intolerance cannot be defeated through state action alone. He participated in a United Nations high-level meeting to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The declaration seeks to acknowledge historical injustices, dismantle inequalities and build societies grounded in dignity, equality and justice for all. Lamola says laws, independent institutions and policies addressing discrimination are essential:

# Former Defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has denied asking military contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu for two-million-rand to help secure her husband’s promotion to the South African National Defence Force surgeon-general. The state alleges she intended to use the money to influence then SANDF chief general Solly Shoke. Speaking via an interpreter, Mapisa-Nqakula told the High Court in Pretoria that she had no power to make the appointment, as the final decision rested with the president:

# ArcelorMittal South Africa is in talks with the Industrial Development Corporation over a three-billion-rand deal that could secure the future of the country’s steel industry. The IDC has offered to acquire an 80-percent stake in the struggling steelmaker, but negotiations are being held up by disagreements over its black economic empowerment structure. The IDC says it is working towards “a lasting solution” to the company’s challenges, to protect South Africa’s vital steel manufacturing capabilities.

# The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association is calling for stronger cooperation between police, communities and businesses to prevent mass shootings. Following the killing of 18 people in Wedela on the West Rand, the association wants authorities to improve intelligence sharing, increase visible policing and coordinate efforts to tackle organised crime in high-risk areas. The organisation’s Jongikhaya Kraai says businesses can use CCTV and panic buttons to improve security, but these cannot replace police action.

# The five British men who were arrested on suspicion of terror offences near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday have been released on bail. The US Air Force is using the airbase in its operations against Iran. Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor, says the investigation is not over, and the five men are subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others. He added that police are exploring multiple lines of enquiry:

# Cricket: Tomorrow’s final one-day match between South Africa and Australia in Potchefstroom will be a dead rubber after the Proteas won the first two matches to clinch their sixth consecutive ODI series victory over the old foe. The hosts first beat the visitors by 67 runs in Durban before a 32-run victory at the Wanderers. The ODIs will be followed by three Tests – the first in South Africa for Australia since the infamous Sandpapergate saga in Cape Town in 2018. The first Test starts in Durban next Friday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-38-cents and the euro at 18-rand-64-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-72-cents and Bitcoin trades at 83-thousand-468-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-124-dollars-12-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 102-dollars-64-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….