News 07:00

BULLETIN 10 October 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Over 60-percent of South African households are food insecure
# The UN warns Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis is escalating
# And rugby: World Rugby will decide on important rule changes in November

# A total of 63.5-percent of households in South Africa are food insecure, leaving 36.5-percent food secure. This is according to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s National Food and Nutrition Security Survey conducted between 2021 and 2023. The survey also shows serious concerns of wasting and stunting, with an estimated 12.6-million tonnes of food wasted per year in the country. Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen says the findings offer insights into the current state of food and nutrition security:

# The MK Party has welcomed the dismissal with costs of expelled party founder Jabulani Khumalo’s latest court application. The Electoral Court dismissed Khumalo’s application for leave to appeal against his initial application to be declared the party leader. The Independent Electoral Commission has recognised Jacob Zuma as MK’s leader. The party’s spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela described Khumalo’s application as frivolous and expedient.

# The City of Tshwane has warned the Tshwane Bus Service commuters of possible disruptions today and tomorrow due to a driver shortage. Spokesperson Selby Bokaba says 31 drivers face disciplinary actions after an unprotected strike. As a result, 15 routes will experience delays or reduced bus numbers. He has advised commuters to plan alternative travel arrangements:

# The United Nations says Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis is escalating at an alarming rate, as Israeli airstrikes have intensified and expanded into previously unaffected areas. Since Tuesday, two-thousand-and-83 people have been killed with 608-thousand-509 persons internally displaced. The ongoing conflict has displaced a total of 350-thousand children. The UN says urgent action is necessary to shield civilians from escalating violence and ensure that humanitarian and aid workers can safely deliver critical support. 

# Rugby: World Rugby’s council will vote on the proposal for a 20-minute red card next month. The rule was tested in the recent Rugby Championship which South Africa won, as well as other tournaments. The governing body will also consider other rule changes, such as enhanced protection for scrumhalfs, and proposals to speed up the game with 30-second scrum and lineout put-in limits. World Rugby will also consider the rule that lineouts may continue if the ball is not thrown in straight but the opposition does jump.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-62-cents and the euro at 19-rand-29-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-5-cents and Bitcoin trades at 60-thousand-742-dollar-89-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-609-dollars-73-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 76-dollars-81-cents a barrel.

# And finally: A comfort service for Rhema Bible Church founder Ray McCauley will be held this evening, with an honouring service next week. The 75-year-old passed away on Tuesday at home, surrounded by family. McCauley, a key figure in South Africa’s democratic transition, urged white South Africans during the hearings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to acknowledge being misled by apartheid-era government propaganda. He will be buried next Saturday, preceded by two memorial events.

Stay tuned for more news………….