News 09:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 14 October 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Parliament on Thursday will debate the closing of the Israeli embassy
# The Western Cape premier is calling for constructive dialogue over the Middle East violence
# And, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme denies claims about a feud with the student union

# Parliament will debate closing the Israeli embassy and suspending diplomatic ties in a session sponsored by the EFF, advocating for cutting all relations on Thursday. Last week, Minister Naledi Pandor addressed the Middle East conflict, leading to a diplomatic demarche. The EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi insists on dismissing the Israeli ambassador. The opposition and government remain divided on this move. Israeli representatives voice support for their ambassador, criticised over statements made concerning the October 7 attack.

Meanwhile, Western Cape premier Alan Winde says residents are understandably deeply affected and concerned by the unfolding crisis in the Middle East, but resorting to violence and intimidation to express their views will not help. This comes after pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel supporters clashed at Sea Point in Cape Town on Sunday resulting in seven people being arrested. Winde says he appeals for restraint and constructive dialogue over the Middle East violence:

Play sound: ENG AlanonMiddleEast

# The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has countered the South African Union of Students’ claims of its collapse, clarifying the board’s unified decision to follow the Werksmans Attorneys Report. The report aims to address corruption allegations. The board affirmed continued action based on the report’s recommendations. NSFAS criticised the union, alleging a misunderstanding of roles in labour-related issues, and emphasised working on funding guidelines for 2024 in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education. It assures students of ongoing efforts to transform NSFAS into an efficient aid provider.

# Johannesburg Emergency Services says no injuries have been reported following a powerful hail storm in some parts of Johannesburg yesterday evening. The hailstorm, which was reported in areas like Pualshof, Rosebank, and Sandton, along the N1 highway, and also in Marlboro, caused some damage, including to infrastructure and vehicles. EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, says flooding was reported in Marlboro:

Play sound: ENG RobertonHailstorm

# Rugby: Sharks coach John Plumtree has called for patience saying things will change. The side’s 12-10 loss to Italian side Zebre Parma last week Friday has left them without a win from their opening four games of the United Rugby Championship. Plumtree says when he came in he knew there would be no overnight fix, but what he can promise fans is that they will do everything to get things right. The Sharks’ Springboks will only return in a week’s time after an enforced three-week break after the World Cup.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-73-cents and the euro at 20-rand-3-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-98-cents and Bitcoin trades at 36-thousand-557-dollars-2-cents. Gold sells at one-thousand-943-dollars-88-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-75-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….