News 11:00

BULLETIN 19 November 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Mashatile calls on G20 countries to strengthen disaster resilience and ensure debt sustainability
# NATJOINTS is ready to ensure the safety and security of the G20 leaders’ summit
# And rugby: Franco Mostert’s red card against Italy is downgraded to yellow

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the foundation of South Africa’s G20 presidency is its commitment to strengthening and reforming the international financial architecture, as well as deepening international economic cooperation. The country is preparing to host the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg this weekend. Mashatile has called on G20 countries to strengthen disaster resilience and response, ensure debt sustainability for low-income countries, and mobilise finance for a Just Energy Transition. He adds the country is embracing an Afrocentric Leadership Model that highlights inclusivity and participation.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure meanwhile says it is confident in the safety and security preparations for the G20 summit. Forty-two countries will be represented, with world leaders including French president Emmanuel Macron, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi also in attendance. NATJOINTS chairperson, Tebello Mosikili, has warned lawlessness will not be tolerated:

# The ANC urges Parliament to fast-track the Whistle-blower Protection Bill to ensure the safety of informants. The party says protecting whistle-blowers is essential for rooting out corruption, safeguarding law enforcement, and strengthening state institutions. ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula was briefing the media on the outcomes of the national executive committee meeting. He says safeguarding those who come forward will help uncover corruption and criminal activity while reinforcing accountability within government and the police:

Moving abroad:

# United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, says the growth in terrorist groups is not only a reality in Africa, but it’s worldwide. According to the Global Terrorism Index, five of the ten countries most affected by terrorism are in the Sahel region, which accounts for 19-percent of global terrorist attacks, and over half of global terrorism-related casualties. Guterres says a coherent development strategy is urgently needed to address the underlying drivers of extremism:

# Rugby: Springbok lock Franco Mostert’s permanent red card in last weekend’s Test against Italy has been rescinded, making him available for Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Dublin. He was sent off in the 12th minute of the match in Turin, forcing the Boks to play the rest of the match with only 14 players. They nevertheless won 32-14. A disciplinary committee found the match officials erred in their decision, and downgraded the red to yellow. Coach Rassie Erasmus is announcing his team tomorrow.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-15-cents and the euro at 19-rand-88-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-55-cents and Bitcoin trades at 91-thousand-170-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-89-dollars-64-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-23-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….