News 09:00

BULLETIN 13 December 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA reiterates its call for the expansion of VAT-free food items
# The Matjhabeng mayor is sentenced on charges of assault and crimen injuria
# And the mayor of New York vows to deport violent immigrants

# The DA says it is optimistic after the latest Consumer Price Index statistics, which highlight a significant drop in food inflation to a 14-year low. Annual inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages retreated sharply to 2.3-percent in November from 3.6-percent the previous month, the lowest rate for the category since December 2010, when it stood at 1.6-percent. The DA’s, Wendy Alexander, says they reiterate their call for the expansion of the basket of VAT-free food items:

# The Public Service Commission says it welcomes the request from Communications and Digital Technologies minister Solly Malatsi, to investigate the governance challenges at the State Information Technology Agency. The agency faces mounting challenges, including governance concerns, irregular procurement practices, operational inefficiencies, and an alarming deterioration in service delivery. The PSC says the minister’s request aligns directly with its ongoing efforts to promote accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in the public service.

# Convicted mayor of Matjhabeng Municipality in the Free State, Thanduxolo Khalipa, has been sentenced by the Ondendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court on charges of assault and crimen injuria. He was fined five-thousand-rand or three months imprisonment for common assault. For the two counts of crimen injuria, he was fined one-thousand-rand each or spend one month in prison for each charge. National Prosecuting Authority’s, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, says Khalipa has also been declared unfit to possess a firearm:

# New York mayor Eric Adams says he will work with president-elect Donald Trump’s administration to find ways to deport violent criminals. He had a meeting with Tom Homan, the incoming US border czar. The city saw an influx of migrants in 2022 and 2023, prompting Adams to urge the federal government to provide additional assistance and funds. Adams says more cooperation between federal and local law enforcement on immigration is needed:

# Soccer: Manchester United came from behind to beat Viktoria Plzen two-one in the Europa League. Two goals from Rasmus Hojlund ensured victory for Ruben Amorim’s side, who have moved into the top eight positions, which would automatically see them qualify for the last 16. Chelsea remain unbeaten in the competition following a three-nil victory against Astana. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur played to a one-all draw against Rangers. There were also victories for Roma, Lazio and Porto.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-78-cents and the euro at 18-rand-61-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-53-cents and Bitcoin trades at 99-thousand-771-dollars-5-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-687-dollars-71-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-46-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….