News 07:00

BULLETIN 10 October 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes Jacob Zuma a speedy recovery as he remains in hospital
# Nearly one-million grade 12 learners sign a pledge to uphold exam integrity
# And, thieves steal 30-thousand wine bottles worth more than 90-million-rand in Italy

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished former president Jacob Zuma a speedy recovery after confirming that he is receiving medical treatment in hospital. Ramaphosa says doctors are treating the 84-year-old, and that the military surgeon general has been briefed on his condition. Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party has maintained that he is in good spirits and initially described his hospital visit as a routine check-up. However, Zuma’s brother has confirmed that he is unwell and remains in hospital. No official details have been released about his condition:

# Nearly one-million grade 12 learners have signed a pledge to uphold honesty and integrity during the 2026 matric examinations. Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube has warned learners against cheating, copying answers, using unauthorised electronic devices or sharing leaked examination papers. The matric exams will commence on Monday and run until 26 November. Ministry spokesperson Terence Khala urged learners to report suspected cheating or leaked papers. Khala encouraged parents and communities to support the matriculants:

Meanwhile, president Ramaphosa also urged the matric Class of 2026 to approach their final examinations upholding these pledges. Speaking at the national senior certificate pledge-signing ceremony in QwaQwa in the Free State, Ramaphosa reminded learners not to waste years of hard work and sacrifice. He encouraged them to believe in themselves, support one another and remain focused, citing the nation stands behind them and wishes them success:

Former Telkom chief executive Sipho Maseko has been convicted for failing to submit tax returns for five companies where he served as a director. The Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court heard that the companies failed to file 85 returns covering employee taxes, VAT and corporate income tax over several years. An admission-of-guilt fine of 85-thousand-rand was paid on behalf of the companies, and all outstanding returns have since been submitted to SARS. The case forms part of Project Honey Badger, a joint initiative involving the tax authority, the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority.

# Golf: Scotland’s Grant Forrest holds a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Spanish Open in Madrid. The 33-year-old carded a four-under-par 67 in the second round to reach nine under overall. Fellow Scot Connor Syme and Switzerland’s Joel Girrbach share second place on eight under. Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra, playing despite a fractured toe, is two shots off the lead alongside England’s Joe Dean. Former champion Sergio Garcia slipped back to four under after a level-par round.

# And finally: Thieves have stolen 30-thousand bottles of premium wine worth more than 90-million-rand from a historic winery in Tuscany, Italy. At least seven masked men reportedly disabled security systems before loading the bottles onto two trucks using the company’s forklifts. The stolen wines include prestigious labels Solaia, Tignanello and Guado al Tasso. The theft was discovered on Monday, after the winery had prepared the stock for shipment to overseas buyers. The company has warned customers to be wary of offers outside official sales channels, while police investigate. No arrests have been reported.

Stay tuned for more news………….