News 09:00

BULLETIN 9 January 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Kubayi will meet with the NPA and SIU leadership to ensure a smooth transition
# SAFTU blames the government for the collapse of the manufacturing sector
# And, over 40 protestors have been killed, and more than two thousand arrested in Iran

# Justice and Constitutional Development minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, is expected to meet with the leaders of the National Prosecuting Authority and the Special Investigating Unit. This follows the appointment of SIU head advocate Andy Mothibi as the National Director of Public Prosecutions. Leonard Lekgetho has been appointed as the acting head of the SIU. The ministry’s spokesperson, Terrence Manase, says the minister has full confidence in both Mothibi and Lekgetho:

# Union federation Saftu says the manufacturing sector is in crisis. Latest Statistics South Africa’s figures show a one-percent decline in production and sales in November last year, with major retrenchments at ArcelorMittal, Transalloys, Ford, Coca-Cola, and Aspen. Saftu’s Asive Dyani says this decline has caused job losses, wage suppression, and threatens the industrial base. Dyani urges the government to adopt a state-led industrial strategy, invest in infrastructure, and protect workers from retrenchments:

# The Judicial Service Commission has recommended impeachment proceedings against Western Cape Judge Mushtak Parker. This comes after the 71-year-old was found guilty by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal last year of gross misconduct and acting dishonestly. The complaints against him stemmed from allegations by ten Western Cape High Court judges and the Cape Bar Council. A key issue was Parker’s conflicting accounts regarding an alleged 2019 altercation involving now-impeached Judge President John Hlophe. The JSC has referred the matter to Parliament for the commencement of impeachment proceedings.

# At least 45 protesters, five of them children and eight security personnel, have been killed, and two-thousand-270 others arrested in anti-government protests across Iran. Protesters are calling for the overthrow of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the return of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. Iranian authorities have cut internet access and telephone lines as the demonstrations have continued for 12 consecutive days. US president Donald Trump has reiterated his threat to intervene militarily if Iranian authorities kill protesters.

# Soccer: Arsenal missed the chance to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table after being held to a goalless draw by Liverpool. The Gunners came into the match with a golden opportunity after title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa both drew on Wednesday. Both teams had chances to score but were not able to. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he is disappointed at the result:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-52-cents and the euro at 19-rand-25-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-19-cents and Bitcoin trades at 91-thousand-61-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-464-dollars-80-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 62-dollars-9-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….