News 07:00

BULLETIN 13 December 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says the country is deepening its trade and investment ties with Angola
# The government calls for a united effort to prevent festive season tragedies
# And a man sentenced to six life terms for killing his relatives

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is committed to ensuring that continental economic development frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area are a success. He addressed the inaugural South Africa-Angola Business Forum in Pretoria yesterday. South Africa’s exports to Angola have grown by approximately eleven-percent since 2019. Ramaphosa says the country is seeking to revitalise its industrial base, modernise its infrastructure network, and strengthen logistics and supply chain connectivity with the rest of the continent:

# The government is calling for collective vigilance from all South Africans to prevent accidents and crimes during the festive season. With increased travel and celebrations, road users are urged to adhere to traffic rules, avoid reckless driving, and be cautious of scams targeting holidaymakers. Parents are also advised to keep a close watch on children in public spaces. Law enforcement agencies will be out in full force to ensure safety on the roads and in communities.

# Vertex Pharmaceuticals has reached an agreement with the Competition Commission, resolving a pricing dispute over its cystic fibrosis treatment. The company had faced allegations of excessive pricing for its life-saving drug, Trikafta. Under the agreement, Vertex will reduce the price of Trikafta in South Africa, making it more accessible to patients. Financial help will also be available for eligible patients. The commission has concluded its investigation but retains the right to take further action if necessary.

# The High Court in Pietermaritzburg has sentenced Sthembiso Nkosinathi Mthimkhulu to six life terms for murdering six relatives in Eshowe in 2021. National Prosecuting Authority KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara says Mthimkhulu believed his uncle practised witchcraft. He opened fire on him, killing six, including two children. She says his sentencing followed powerful victim impact statements:

# The United Nations World Food Programme is increasing its programmes to reach 2.8-million displaced and food-insecure people across Syria. This follows the toppling of president Bashar al-Assad’s regime. WFP says the recent hostilities have displaced hundreds of thousands of individuals across the country, worsening an already dire food security situation. WFP’s country director in Syria, Kenn Crossley, says right now, commercial supply routes are compromised, food prices are soaring, and the Syrian currency is depreciating.

# Golf: England’s Andy Sullivan posted an eight-under-par 64 to lead by one shot after the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship in Mpumalanga. Behind him in a three-way tie for second are compatriot Alex Fitzpatrick, South Africa’s Casey Jarvis and Swede Marcus Kinhult on seven under. Sullivan, who secured his first two DP World Tour victories in the country in 2015, says he always feels comfortable playing in South Africa:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-80-cents and the euro at 18-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-55-cents and Bitcoin trades at 99-thousand-504-dollar-60-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-689-dollars-66-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-32-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….