News 08:00

BULLETIN 23 September 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa reiterates South Africa’s support for a Palestinian state
# SASSA warns beneficiaries against fraudulent grant application fees
# And the City of Tshwane is concerned about increasing  water consumption levels

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa reiterates its firm commitment to the creation of a contiguous Palestinian State existing peacefully and side by side with the State of Israel, alongside the 1967 borders. He was speaking at the two-state solution conference on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Monday. Ramaphosa says the viability of a two-state solution depends on full and universal respect for international law:

Meanwhile, France has become the latest country to formally declare their recognition of a Palestinian state. This comes as international pressure is ramping up on Israel over the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza and settlement building in the West Bank. Belgium, Monaco, Malta, Luxembourg, and Andorra also declared their support for a Palestinian state during the meeting in New York. French president Emmanuel Macron says the recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people takes nothing away from the rights of the people of Israel.

# The South African Social Security Agency has warned that no compensation is required for its services. Spokesperson Andile Tshona says anyone demanding payment to assist with social grant applications is acting fraudulently and should be reported to law enforcement immediately. He urges beneficiaries and the public to stay vigilant, avoid entertaining impostors on the streets or at their homes:

# The City of Tshwane says it is experiencing high water consumption in several areas, and some reservoirs are showing a serious decline in water levels. Mayoral committee member for Utility Services, Frans Boshielo, says Rand Water has allocated 700-mega-litre-per-day; however, this is 22-percent more than the metro’s permitted limit. He is urging residents to use water sparingly to prevent system failures and interruptions to the supply:

# Soccer: Paris St-Germain and France forward, Ousmane Dembele, won his first Ballon d’Or. The 28-year-old scored 35 goals for PSG last season, as the team won the Champions League, the league title, and the French Cup. PSG manager Luis Enrique was named coach of the year. Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati became the first woman to win the Ballon d’Or for three consecutive years. England coach Sarina Wiegman was named the best women’s coach. Arsenal and PSG won the awards for women’s and men’s club of the year.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-34-cents and the euro at 20-rand-47-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-43-cents and Bitcoin trades at 112-thousand-425-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-742-dollars-62-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-59-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….