News 08:00

BULLETIN 16 November 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says government will immediately shut down spaza shops implicated in children’s deaths
# Minister Mchunu calls for intensified efforts to address illegal mining in Stilfontein
# And cricket: India hammer the Proteas into its heaviest T20 defeat ever

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says spaza shops which have been implicated in the deaths of children will be closed with immediate effect. The president was responding to the recurring instances of food-bourne illnesses which have claimed the lives of children. He says all spaza shops and other food handling facilities must be registered within the municipalities in which they operate within 21 days from the 15th of November:

# Police minister Senzo Mchunu is calling for intensified cooperation between law enforcement, communities, and stakeholders to ensure all illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West, resurface safely. Over one-thousand illegal miners have already been apprehended. The ministry of Police, alongside the Defence ministry, conducted an oversight visit yesterday to support Operation Vala Umgodi. Mchunu told the media the government is committed to ensuring law and order prevail in the face of this ongoing crisis:

# Cosatu has presented its submission on the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement’s Division of Revenue Amendment Bill to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says while welcoming funds for disaster recovery and school infrastructure, it expressed concern over underperforming departments and failing municipalities. He calls for urgent reforms to stabilise local government and tackle unemployment, poverty, and corruption:

# Disabled People South Africa has expressed disappointment yet understanding over Miss South Africa 2024, Mia le Roux’s withdrawal from the Miss Universe pageant due to health reasons. Le Roux, the first deaf contestant, was in Mexico preparing for today’s finale. In a statement, the national chairperson Patrick Mahlakoane praised her for championing disability rights and prioritising her well-being, wishing her a speedy recovery. He says the organisation vows to continue advocating for inclusivity and empowerment for people with disabilities.

# And, cricket: A masterclass by India’s top three batters at the Wanderers in Johannesburg yesterday evening saw the tourists reach a total of 283 for 1 in their innings, before dismissing South Africa for a mere 148 runs. The 135-run victory in the fourth and final T20 International was South Africa’s heaviest defeat in T20 Internationals. The tourists won the series 3-1 after victories by 61 runs and 11 runs respectively in the first and third matches in Durban and Centurion, while the hosts won by three wickets in Gqeberha.

Stay tuned for more news………….