News 08:00

BULLETIN 22 November 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa calls on African countries to use the G20 to advance their agenda
# AfriForum says Gauteng’s number plate project lacks clarity
# And golf: Christiaan Burke maintains the lead in the Vodacom Origins of Golf Final

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on African countries to deepen economic cooperation, saying this is essential for continental development and integration, building resilience and self-reliance. On Friday evening, he hosted a reception dinner for African heads of state and government officials attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Sandton. Ramaphosa says African countries must use the G20 to advance their agenda in the wake of the erosion of the World Trade Organisation rules-based system:

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says that as the world’s largest economies, the G20 can hold enormous influence to ease suffering, ensure that economic growth is widely shared, and set the world on a better, more peaceful course for the future. He briefed the media in Johannesburg on Friday ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Guterres says it is time for a truly global international financial system that focuses on the challenges facing developing countries:

And staying with the G20: The European Union will address digital governance and Africa’s entry into the global digital economy. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen addressed the media at the G20 summit, saying artificial intelligence must put citizens first, driving innovation and accountability together. She highlighted AI’s potential across Africa, and announced EU support for AI factories in Africa to empower startups in developing, training, and improving AI models on the continent:

# Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts adopted a resolution to summon former Road Accident Fund CEO Collins Letsoalo, who stand accused of maladministration, financial impropriety, and misuse of public funds. SCOPA Chair Songezo Zibi re-issued a summons for him to appear on 25 November. Zizbi says failure to appear may lead to legal consequences, including criminal prosecution:

# AfriForum says Gauteng residents remain in the dark about the cost and timeline of the province’s new number plate project. The party’s Louis Boshoff says, despite a Promotion of Access to Information Act request, the Department of Transport could not provide estimates or a phased implementation plan. Boshoff says AfriForum calls the lack of clarity unacceptable, noting the project will affect millions, and urges authorities to postpone it until proper costings, timelines, and planning are provided:

# And golf: South Africa’s Christiaan Burke has maintained his lead in the Vodacom Origins of Golf Final at the Pezula Golf Estate in Knysna. He fired a round of 66 in the second round, lifting him to 15 under par as he looks to claim a maiden Sunshine Tour title. He is one stroke clear of compatriots Tyran Snyders and in-form Casey Jarvis. Burke says he is happy with his form at the moment:

Stay tuned for more news………….