News 07:00

BULLETIN 5 October 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Competition Commission says food prices are still unaffordable despite declining fuel costs
# The Palestine Solidarity Campaign marches to Parliament, demanding action against Israel
# And, cricket:  The Proteas pummel Ireland to claim an ODI series win 

# The Competition Commission says food security in South Africa remains under serious threat, even though inflation has eased. In its latest essential food pricing monitoring report, the commission says that while some prices have improved, households still pay high costs for essentials like maize meal and eggs. The commission’s spokesperson Siyabulela Makunga says despite a stronger rand and lower fuel prices, key food items remain costly, keeping food security concerns alive:

# The Palestine Solidarity Campaign and its partners will today march to Parliament in Cape Town, demanding the passing of the Apartheid Bill. The march, starting from the corner of Hanover and Chapel Street in District Six, aims to push for the implementation of the United Nations Apartheid Convention. The organisation’s Usuf Chikte says since October last year, Israeli forces have killed over 41-thousand Palestinians, including 16-thousand-500 children: 

# A special council meeting to elect a new mayor for Tshwane is set for Wednesday. The city has been without a mayor since ex-mayor Cilliers Brink was removed last week through a motion of no confidence. Political parties have less than five days to agree on a coalition and a mayoral candidate. While ActionSA supports its acting Mayor, Nasiphi Moya, the ANC insists the candidate should come from its ranks, and the DA is pushing for Brink’s re-election.

# Cricket: A maiden ODI ton for Tristan Stubbs, backed by some fine bowling by Lizaad Williams, set up the Proteas’ 174-run victory over Ireland in the second ODI in Abu Dhabi yesterday. The win means South Africa now lead the three-match series 2-0 with one game left on Monday. Batting first, the Proteas finished their 50 overs with 343 for 4 with Stubbs on 112 not out, off 81 balls.  The Irish were all out for 160 within 30 overs and 3 balls.

# And finally, rockstar Bruce Springsteen has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, becoming the latest celebrity to back the U.S. vice president against Republican former president Donald Trump. The Born in the USA and Born to Run singer said Trump is the most dangerous candidate for president in his lifetime. Harris has already been endorsed by some big Hollywood names and celebrities, ranging from legendary actress Meryl Streep to comedian Chris Rock and former talk show host Oprah Winfrey. Last month, pop megastar Taylor Swift also endorsed Harris.

Stay tuned for more news………….