News 07:00

BULLETIN 17 December 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa announces a National Dialogue
# The Special Investigation Unit denies an audit of foreign marriage certificates
# And cricket: England have a commanding lead against the Protea Women

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says a National Dialogue will be held next year, to enable a conversation among citizens on shaping the country’s future developmental path. On Monday, he delivered his official Reconciliation Day speech in Vredendal, Western Cape. A steering committee to coordinate the national dialogue process will be appointed. Ramaphosa says the dialogue will strengthen and consolidate the process of social compacting, where different sectors and communities come together to find common solutions:

Ramaphosa also says the government of national unity has prioritised inclusive growth, job creation, and transformation. The president says the government has also prioritised the fight against poverty and building a capable, developmental state. Ramaphosa adds that strengthening institutions that must fight corruption and crime is imperative:

# The Special Investigating Unit has refuted social media claims of a nationwide audit of Home Affairs’ marriage certificates for foreigners from 2004 to 2024. The SIU clarified it is investigating specific allegations of maladministration, including irregularities in visas, permits, and citizenship processes. The unit has warned against misinformation. Meanwhile, Home Affairs finalised 31 disciplinary cases against officials between July and September 2024, addressing misconduct including fraud and immigration law violations.

# Israel has announced the closure of its embassy in Ireland, citing Dublin’s extreme anti-Israel policies. The move follows Ireland’s intervention in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Ireland’s Foreign minister Micheál Martin defended the decision, emphasising concerns over civilian protection. Meanwhile, calls for a ceasefire intensify as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens.

# Cricket: England Women lead South Africa by 145 runs at stumps on day two of their one-off Test in Bloemfontein. Marizanne Kapp’s 57 off 74 balls, the third-fastest half-century by a South African woman, led the Proteas fightback in response to England’s first innings total of 395 for nine declared. However, the hosts were bowled out for 281, with the visitors taking a 114-run lead. That lead was extended to 145 as Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight steered England to 31 for one in their second innings at stumps.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-85-cents and the euro at 18-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-67-cents and Bitcoin trades at 106-thousand-198-dollar-90-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-651-dollars-81-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-83-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….