News 07:00
NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 10 November 7 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# The deputy president expresses confidence in the police to combat crime
# The European Commission is calling for the preservation of humanity in Israel and Palestine
# And cricket: New Zealand improves their semifinal chances with a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka
# Deputy president Mashatile has called for public cooperation and collective responsibility in the ongoing fight against crime. During parliamentary questioning, he expressed confidence in the South African Police Service’s ability to triumph over crime. Mashatile highlighted the focus on tackling illegal mining, gender-based violence, and the construction mafia as top priorities for law enforcement. He also announced the recruitment of additional police members to bolster the force to ensure the success of crime-fighting endeavours:
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# Transnet warns its underperforming freight rail division poses a risk to the economy. In a briefing to Parliament, the state-owned entity revealed it cannot afford to settle its 130-billion-rand debt and seeks financial assistance. The board emphasised the urgency of turning around operational performance, echoing Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s concerns. Transnet’s debt burden, with annual interest costs of 13-billion-rand, is deemed unsustainable. Public Enterprises minister Gordhan commits to improving performance and calls for cost-cutting measures following the recent departure of CEO Portia Derby and freight rail division CEO Siza Mzimela.
# The Gauteng Department of Education has launched an investigation at Hope Learners with Special Educational Needs in Westcliff, Johannesburg. This follows a series of incidents regarding learner ill-discipline and maladministration. The department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, says they are regrettably aware of two alleged rape incidents that occurred at the school. He says the most recent incident took place on the 26th of last month, where a Grade 12 boy learner allegedly raped a Grade four boy learner at the school’s boarding facility:
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# European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says Israelis and Palestinians need a political perspective to break the current spiral of violence and reestablish hope. She was speaking at the International Humanitarian Conference for Gaza’s civilian population in Paris. The European Union has sent eight flights carrying more than 370 tonnes of medicines, water and sanitary items to the Rafah Crossing for delivery to Gaza. Von der Leyen says the international community must work together to protect lives and preserve humanity in both Israel and Palestine:
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# Cricket: New Zealand improved its chances of qualifying for the World Cup semifinal with a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. Sri Lanka was limited to just 171 runs, Kusal Perera contributing 51 while Trent Boult took three wickets. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra then set a solid platform with an 86-run opening partnership and the Black Caps reached the target in their 24th over. New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan are fighting it out to join South Africa, India and Australia in the penultimate round.
# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-65-cents and the euro at 19-rand-92-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-81-cents and Bitcoin trades at 36-thousand-869-dollars-40-cents. Gold sells at one-thousand-958-dollars-41-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-30-cents a barrel.
# And, finally, former Daily Show host Trevor Noah has kicked off his new Spotify podcast called What Now? with Trevor Noah with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as his first guest. The wide-ranging interview with Johnson covers everything from the actor’s troubled youth and lifelong struggles with depression, to him being criticised for launching his fund following the Maui fires. Noah has dispelled the notion that the podcast is poised to be just another outlet for A-list celebrities, saying he will feature all different types of guests, some considerably more famous than others.
Stay tuned for more news………….
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# third suspect is arrested in connection with the Phala Phala theft
# Israel has agreed to four-hour daily humanitarian pauses in northern Gaza
# And rugby, the owner of Racing 92 expects Siya Kolisi to make a significant impact
# The Hawks have arrested a third suspect in connection with the theft of foreign currency from president Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo in 2020. The 27-year-old handed himself over to police yesterday. Two others, Namibian nationals Imanuwela David and Froliana Joseph, were arrested earlier this week. Hawks spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, says the trio will appear at the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court today:
# Parliament faces criticism for delays in amending the Immigration Act after the Constitutional Court granted a 12-month extension, citing an abysmal failure to address the issue. Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi blamed elections, the pandemic, and a 2022 fire for the delay. The court criticised lawmakers for prioritising re-election campaigns over meeting deadlines. Parliament now has until October 2024, with an extension beyond if needed. The department plans to introduce an executive bill to address the constitutional defects. Critics raise concerns about legislative delays and the scathing court judgment.
# Rand Water has reported a decline in water consumption across major Gauteng metros, offering some relief from water challenges. Ekurhuleni, City of Tshwane, and Johannesburg experienced a significant drop in water demand, possibly due to cooler weather conditions. The utility notes no major infrastructure issues, ensuring consistent water supply. Rainfall in parts of Gauteng further alleviated pressure on Rand Water’s system. While consumption reduced by 6.7-percent, overall demand in Johannesburg still exceeds the agreed quota. Critical reservoirs are recovering, approaching 80-percent, contributing to improved water conditions.
# Parents in KwaZulu-Natal are frustrated over teachers’ union SADTU’s strike as it forced the suspension of year-end exams for Grades 8 to 11 in the province’s public schools. SADTU demands the provincial Education Department pay schools their full budget allocations. The department has not given a timeline for payment. While SADTU has halted their picket, parents have decried the possible impact of the strike on their children. They are calling for a resolution that does not compromise learner’s education.
# The White House says Israel is initiating daily four-hour humanitarian pauses in northern Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation. The specific timing of these pauses will be announced by Israel three hours in advance. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says they have been told by the Israelis that there will be no military operations in these areas over the duration of the pause and that this process started yesterday. He says this is a significant step in this conflict:
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-66-cents and the euro at 19-rand-92-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-82-cents and Bitcoin trades at 36-thousand-625-dollars-50-cents. Gold sells at one-thousand-960-dollars-13-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-1-cent a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….