News 08:00

BULLETIN 26 September 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA calls for a spending review to address the financial crisis in Basic Education
# Three suspected extortionists are killed and four others arrested
# And netball: The Males National Netball Championships gets underway today

# The DA says it is concerned about the financial crisis gripping the education system, which is not only threatening children’s future but is a symptom of larger financial mismanagement across government. Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube revealed that the department is saddled with budget pressures of an estimated 79-billion-rand over the medium-term period, which could increase to over 118-billion-rand. The DA’s, Mark Burke, says a comprehensive spending review of every government programme is needed:

# The ANC’s alliance partners have called for president Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube. This is for her failing to attend the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act earlier this month. Hours before the signing ceremony, Gwarube issued a statement saying she had written to Ramaphosa to notify him that she could not attend the ceremony until her concerns regarding the Bela Act were addressed. SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila says the minister undermined the president and appropriate action must be taken against her.

# Western Cape police shot and killed three suspected extortionists and four other suspects were arrested in Bothasig. Police were following up on information that seven occupants of a minibus taxi were extorting money from shop owners in Du Noon. During a pursuit on Bosmansdam Road, the group opened fire on the two police vehicles, and they retaliated. The police’s, Bongani Maqashalala, says an assault rifle, a pistol, and an undisclosed amount of cash were recovered from the vehicle:

# The US and France are working to broker a 21-day temporary ceasefire between Lebanese Hezbollah militants and Israel. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed more than 600 people and displaced tens of thousands since Monday. French Foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot says a diplomatic solution is indeed possible. Meanwhile, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, says if Hezbollah stops sending missiles and rockets into Israel, there will be no more retaliation:

# Netball: Netball South Africa will host the biggest Males National Netball Championships to date at the Ellis Park Outdoor Courts in Johannesburg from today, the final being next Monday. The tournament will feature 67 teams competing across Senior A, B, and Under 23 divisions. Ekurhuleni are the defending champions. During the tournament, players will be selected to go for trials for the national team selection. Netball South Africa president Cecilia Molokwane says the record participation underscores the sport’s growing popularity.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-22-cents and the euro at 19-rand-19-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-97-cents and Bitcoin trades at 63-thousand-300-dollars-15-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-661-dollars-10-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-71-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….