News 11:00

BULLETIN 4 December 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The US Secretary of State says South Africa’s G20 presidency operated with spite and division
# South Africa votes in favour of a UN resolution calling on Russia to immediately return Ukrainian children
# And rugby: Dan Carter is excited by a possible quarterfinal between the All Blacks and the Springboks in 2027’s World Cup

# US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has criticised South Africa’s G20 presidency, saying the country operated with spite, division, and radical agendas that failed to produce economic growth. He has confirmed the US won’t invite South Africa to participate in the G20 during its presidency. Rubio has accused the ANC-led government of having an appetite for racism and tolerance for violence against Afrikaners. He says the government has chosen political grievance over economic policy. Rubio adds that South Africa can return to the G20 when it’s ready for real reforms. 

South Africa has meanwhile voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly draft resolution, demanding that Russia ensure the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children forcibly transferred or deported. Ninety-one countries voted in favour of the motion, 12 against, including Russia, Sudan, and Iran, and 57 abstained. At least 20-thousand Ukrainian children have been abducted by Moscow since February 2022. Ukraine’s deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, Mariana Betsa, says Russia has made children the most vulnerable target of aggression:

# Insurance company, Momentum, urges South Africans to spend more carefully during the festive season to avoid financial pressure next month. The company’s Therèse Havenga says December celebrations often lead to overspending, leaving families struggling when school fees, debit orders return and rising costs at the start of the new year. She advises setting limits on gifts and outings, saving a portion of any bonus, and choosing meaningful, low-cost traditions.

# The ANC’s Gauteng provincial task team coordinator, Panyaza Lesufi, has urged members in Johannesburg to think about the party’s future as they prepare to vote for new leaders. The 16th regional elective conference got underway in Sandton yesterday. Outgoing ANC regional chairperson Dada Morero is seeking re-election, but faces a strong challenge from Loyiso Masuku. Lesufi says the ANC needs new leaders who will have fresh ideas, strategies, and programmes to turn around the conditions for citizens:

# Rugby: Legendary All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter says the possibility of New Zealand facing South Africa in the 2027 World Cup quarterfinals is an exciting prospect. The back-to-back world champion Springboks have been drawn along with Italy, Georgia, and Romania in Pool B, while the All Blacks are in Pool A alongside hosts Australia, Chile, and Hong Kong China. Carter, a double World Cup winner, says once you get into the knockout stages of the competition, it doesn’t really matter who you face:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-5-cents and the euro at 19-rand-88-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-74-cents and Bitcoin trades at 93-thousand-137-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-189-dollars-62-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 62-dollars-91-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….