News 07:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 13 November 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA is concerned about the exorbitant catering costs of flights on presidential jet
# The Electricity minister has reportedly complained about his limited powers
# And, seven people were arrested after clashes between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel groups in Cape Town

# DA leader John Steenhuisen says he will request Public Protector Koleka Gcaleka to investigate allegations of wasteful expenditure for catering aboard the Inkwazi presidential jet. According to reports, on the 12-hour flight from London to South Africa, following the funeral of Queen Elizabeth the Second last year, it is alleged that catering came to 24-thousand-rand per head. Steenhuisen says this amounted to just under 600-thousand-rand in total for fewer than 18 VIP guests, which shows president Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC have such blatant disregard for taxpayers:

Play sound: ENG SteenhuisenOnExpenditure

# Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reportedly complained during an ANC’s national working committee meeting last week, about his limited powers in the quest to end the energy crisis. According to the City Press, the minister complained that only Public Enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan has insights into the Eskom board and not him. Ramokgopa is said to only communicate with the power utility’s head of generation Bheki Nxumalo through Gordhan. The ANC’s national working committee has reportedly instructed the national executive committee to look into the powers of the Electricity minister.

# Cape Town police have confirmed that seven people have been arrested on charges of public violence after clashes between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel groups at the Sea Point Promenade yesterday. According to reports, a pro-Israel prayer meeting had to be cancelled due to safety concerns after Palestine supporters gathered in the same spot ahead of the prayer meeting. Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk says officers had to use stun grenades and a water cannon when some individuals disobeyed instructions to disperse. This took place amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

# The Gauteng Department of Health says it is investigating the circumstances that led to medical waste items being illegally disposed of at a field around Ormonde, South of Johannesburg. Members of a local community watch structure came across the waste material which seems to consist of used syringes and medical files. The department’s spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says they have reported this to the City of Johannesburg’s environmental health section, to further process the matter in line with applicable legislation:

Play sound: ENG ModibaOnMedicalWaste

# Cricket: Hosts India defeated the Netherlands by 160 runs in Bengaluru to finish the World Cup group stage unbeaten. Shreyas Iyer scored an unbeaten 128 and KL Rahul made 102 as India posted 410 for four, their second-highest World Cup total. In reply, the Netherlands were bowled out for 250 in 47.5 overs. India will now prepare for their semifinal clash against New Zealand in Mumbai on Wednesday. On Thursday, South Africa will face Australia in the other semifinal.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-75-cents and the euro at 20-rand-4-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-94-cents and Bitcoin trades at 37-thousand-163-dollars-5-cents. Gold sells at one-thousand-937-dollars-65-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-66-cents a barrel.

# And finally, Tourism minister Patricia de Lille will sign an agreement with Google, which will see the Ministry of Tourism and the digital platform collaborate on several areas of work. This is in line with the department’s work of enhancing the use of technology to market South Africa’s tourism offering. The department says the primary goal of the partnership is to harness Google’s technological expertise to support the ministry’s efforts in promoting the country as a prime tourist destination. The areas of collaboration include digital skills training, culture, and heritage site promotion.

Stay tuned for more news………….