News 08:00

BULLETIN 8 February 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Mmusi Maimane advocates for an independent speaker and fair application of the rules during the State of the Nation address
# The Gauteng Health Department has recorded over 800 food poisoning incidents
# And cricket, Joburg Super Kings defeat Paarl Royals to reach the second SA20 qualifier

# Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane advocates for an independent speaker and fair application of parliamentary rules to prevent disruptions during the State of the Nation address. He responded to new joint rules announced by National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, aimed at maintaining order. Maimane emphasises addressing the root causes of disruptions. He also stresses the importance of parliamentary accountability.

# Union federation Saftu says it is deeply troubled by the latest fuel price hike, potentially adding financial strain on motorists and commuters. According to the federation, the 75-cents per litre increase in both grades of petrol and up to 73-cents per litre in diesel is expected to compound the challenges faced by households already grappling with high living costs. Saftu’s Trevor Shaku calls for global action to curb speculation on commodities like oil, contributing to fuel price volatility:

# The Gauteng Department of Health says since the first food poisoning incident reported in October last year, it has recorded cumulatively 861 food-borne incidences which have resulted in eleven deaths. In the latest incident a Grade one girl from Mandlethu Primary School in Tsakane, Brakpan, died on Tuesday allegedly after eating biscuits bought at a local spaza shop. Four children are recovering in hospital. The department’s spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says they will continue efforts to empower communities with food safety tips:

# A US drone strike on a car in Baghdad has killed three members of the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah including its commander. America has blamed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a broad coalition of Iran-backed militias, for last month’s drone attack in Jordan that killed three US troops. The US Central Command says it will not hesitate to hold responsible all those who threaten the safety of troops. Iraq’s Joint Operations Command says it sees the attack as a new aggression by America.

# Cricket: The Joburg Super Kings defeated Paarl Royals by nine wickets at the Wanderers, to progress to the second SA20 qualifier against Durban’s Super Giants today. English seamer Samuel Cook, who made his SA20 debut, took four wickets as the Royals were dismissed for just 138. In reply, Leus du Plooy and captain Faf du Plessis combined with half-centuries to help the Super Kings reach 139 for one with 40 balls remaining. JSK coach, Stephen Fleming, says they were good with both the bat and bowl:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-87-cents and the euro at 20-rand-36-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-86-cents and Bitcoin trades at 44-thousand-607-dollars-54-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-33-dollars-84-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 79-dollars-48-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….