News 07:00

BULLETIN 15 November 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# International Relations condemns Israel’s annexation orders for the West Bank
# The EFF says the privatisation of state-owned enterprises must be halted
# And a Joburg businessman faces jail time after defying a forfeiture order

# The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is calling on the international community to unequivocally oppose the Israeli government’s continued violation of its obligations under international law, and resolutions relating to its belligerent occupation. This as the department says it is dismayed at a statement attributed to Israel’s Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who called for the annexation of the West Bank. The department adds that South Africa is opposed to the Israeli illegal annexation and settlement expansion on Palestinian lands.

# The EFF has reiterated its call for the privatisation of state-owned entities to be halted. Since the fifth administration took over in 2019, there have been moves to privatise and unbundle cash-strapped SOEs including Transnet and South African Airways. Addressing Parliament, the EFF’s, Omphile Maotwe, says South Africa is currently suffering under economic agenda driven by neoliberalism and austerity, which prioritises private profit over public good:

# The Congress of South African Trade Unions says allegations of corruption in the Expanded Public Works Programme is concerning. The Department of Public Works raised concerns over irregular recruitment, exploitation of women, and political interference. Cosatu spokesperson Zanele Sabela says the programme aims to provide skills and employment to millions. She says that the federation demands accountability and alignment with the National Minimum Wage to ensure the programme benefits those in need.

# The Special Tribunal Court has found controversial Johannesburg businessman Hamilton Ndlovu guilty of contempt of court after he failed to surrender assets as part of a forfeiture order. The order is linked to his 170-million-rand Covid-19 contracts. The assets include a Mercedez Benz G63 AMG and a 2020 Rolex wristwatch. The tribunal has ordered Ndlovu to be imprisoned for 30 days, but the sentence has been suspended for 30 days for him to comply with the order. He has also been fined 500-thousand-rand, which has been suspended for one year.

# Metalworkers union Numsa has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting workplace discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The union, participating in the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association’s conference in Cape Town, which concludes today. It said all workers, regardless of their identity, deserve protection. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola opposes all forms of prejudice and rejects tactics that divide the working class:

# Rugby: World Cup-winning former Springbok Francois Louw has hit back at Welsh journalist Stephen Jones for his criticism of the Boks’ bomb squad. Jones said it was arrogant of coach Rassie Erasmus to go with a 7-1 split on the bench against Scotland last weekend, especially when he brought on six forwards at once. Jones wants World Rugby to change the replacement laws. Louw says next you would probably hear you can’t pick Cheslin Kolbe because he’s too fast, or Makazole Mapimpi because he’s too good.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-27-cents and the euro at 19-rand-25-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-14-cents and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-991-dollar-90-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-566-dollars-22-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-19-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….