News 09:00

BULLETIN 22 January 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The EFF will open a criminal case against minister MacPherson
# The delay in Avian flu vaccine threatens the poultry industry
# And international flights to Tel Aviv resume

# The EFF says it will be opening a criminal case against Public Works and Infrastructure minister, Dean Macpherson, over what it describes as his corrupt interference in the affairs of the Independent Development Trust. The minister is accused of bypassing the Trust’s executive leadership and board, by emailing a junior staff member to demand a report on the payment delays to Lonerock Construction. The company was appointed to rehabilitate sinkholes at Waterkloof Airforce Base. The EFF’s spokesperson, Snawo Thambo, says the minister’s actions are unacceptable:

# The South African Poultry Association warns that stalled avian influenza vaccination efforts heighten the risk of new outbreaks. With Europe and the US facing aggressive avian flu spreads, South Africa remains vulnerable. SAPA highlights unresolved challenges, including stringent biosecurity requirements, lack of compensation for culled birds, and rising costs. Three H5 vaccines are approved, but H7 vaccines face delays. Farmers urge government intervention to facilitate vaccinations and protect the 65-billion-rand poultry industry, which employs nearly 58-thousand people.

# The DA in Gauteng says the potential for theft, fraud, and corruption in Ekurhuleni continues to increase, due to the political machinations of the ANC-EFF coalition. This is as the coalition has been wrangling over the vacancy of the Finance Committee chairperson. The position has been vacant since the 30th of September last year. The DA’s, Lucky Dinake, says the extended length of this vacancy has set a dangerous precedent by creating a vacuum of accountability:

# Air France will resume flights to Tel Aviv at the weekend after a Gaza ceasefire agreement was announced between Israel and Hamas. The airline was among several international carriers to suspend Tel Aviv flights in September over fears of escalating violence in the region. Several have resumed flights following the latest Gaza ceasefire. The Lufthansa group, whose airlines include flagship Lufthansa, Swiss and Eurowings, and Easyjet have also said they plan to resume flights but not until February and June, respectively.

# Soccer: Liverpool remain unbeaten in the Champions League after beating ten-man Lille at Anfield to book their place in the last 16. Mohamed Salah’s 50th goal in Europe and Harvey Elliott secured the win for Arne Slot’s side. Barcelona came from behind to clinch a five-four victory over Benfica and secure their spot in the last 16. Juventus were held to a goalless draw by Club Brugge. Slot was happy with their performance:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-50-cents and the euro at 19-rand-27-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-82-cents and Bitcoin trades at 107-thousand-731-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-750-dollars-96-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-61-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….