News 07:00

BULLETIN 3 October 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Border Management Authority vows zero tolerance for corruption at South Africa’s borders
# South Africa’s manufacturing sector returns to growth in September
# And rugby: Edinburgh edge out the Stormers in a hard fought United Rugby Championship battle

# Border Management Authority commissioner Michael Masiapato says corruption at South Africa’s ports of entry will not be tolerated. Speaking at an anti-corruption campaign at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng, Masiapato said corruption involving border officials remains a serious concern. He added that the authority and other stakeholders have committed to working together to tackle corruption and strengthen integrity at the country’s ports of entry:

# The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations says it’s providing pastoral, emotional and practical support to families affected by three recent mass shootings. The shootings in KwaMakhutha in KwaZulu-Natal, Lwandle in Cape Town and Wedela in Gauteng claimed 40 lives and left others injured. The group’s president, Bert Pretorius, says pastors will continue supporting affected families beyond the funerals, offering counselling and helping them cope with grief and trauma:

# The Absa purchasing managers’ index has returned to growth territory, rising by 4.9 points to 50.7 in September after three months of contraction. New sales orders also improved, while business activity recovered sharply. However, employment weakened, and manufacturers continued to face higher fuel, transport and input costs. Delays at Durban harbour in KwaZulu-Natal also affected supply deliveries. The outlook improved slightly, with purchasing managers cautiously positive about business conditions over the next six months.

# Cape Town has unveiled plans to transform its iconic unfinished Foreshore highways with a new bridge, tunnel, promenade and neighbourhood. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the project would ease congestion and unlock about 15 hectares of land for housing, public spaces and economic development. The first phase would build a new bridge over Buitengracht and widen the inbound freeway, linking it directly to Helen Suzman Boulevard. The second would put the outbound route underground and demolish the existing elevated freeway, making way for a new waterfront promenade and neighbourhood.

# More than half of Europe experienced very strong heat stress during the summer, according to the European Union’s Copernicus climate service. The record 52-percent figure means people across more than half the continent experienced conditions that felt like at least 38 degrees Celsius. Western Europe had its hottest summer on record, with very strong heat stress recorded on 13 days. Heat stress happens when high temperatures and humidity prevent the body from cooling itself properly, increasing the risk of heatstroke and other health problems.

# And rugby: The Stormers suffered a 17-13 defeat to Edinburgh in their second round United Rugby Championship match at Hive Stadium last night. Edinburgh led 3-nil at half-time before two penalties by fly-half Yaqeen Ahmed put the Stormers ahead early in the second half. Paul Hill then scored for Edinburgh, before Stormers’ No. 8 Hacjivah Dayimani restored the visitors’ lead with a try. But Edinburgh back Rory McHaffie scored the decisive try seven minutes from full time, with James Grayson adding the conversion.

Stay tuned for more news………….