News 11:00

BULLETIN 21 December 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Holomisa urges a renewed fight against corruption into 2026
# SANTACO welcomes drop in festive season road fatalities
# And, the Venezuelan government rejects seizure of another vessel transporting oil

# United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa has called for a sustained fight against corruption as the country prepares for the new year. Holomisa says Cabinet resolutions and government of national unity discussions in 2025 made it clear that corruption must be confronted decisively. Holomisa welcomed increased action by the justice system and urged stronger resourcing of the National Prosecuting Authority, Hawks and Special Investigating Unit. He calls for accountability:

# The South African National Taxi Council has welcomed the Transport minister’s mid-term festive season road safety review, noting a 20.9-percent drop in fatal crashes and a 20.8-percent reduction in deaths. SANTACO national spokesperson, Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala, says the figures show progress through law enforcement and education but warns loss of life remains a concern. She urges roadworthiness, driver discipline and shared responsibility to ensure every journey ends safely:

# Newly elected South African Football Players Union president Thulani Hlatshwayo has set high expectations for Bafana Bafana at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Hlatshwayo has urged the team, led by skipper Ronwen Williams, to build on previous AFCON successes. Bafana will face Angola in their first Group B match tomorrow. In addition, he also highlighted a recent bonus agreement with the South African Football Association and pledged ongoing support for players, emphasising the goal of bringing the trophy home.

# The Venezuelan government rejected the seizure of a new vessel transporting oil, describing it as a serious act of international piracy. Caracas said it will be reported to the United Nations Security Council, other multilateral organisations and governments. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the seizure on Saturday, just days after President Donald Trump announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. It was the second time in recent weeks that the United States has gone after a tanker near Venezuela amid a large US military build-up in the region.

# Golf: South Africa’s Casey Jarvis and American Ryan Gerard started today’s final round of the Mauritius Open tied for the lead. They finished Saturday’s round one stroke clear of France’s Alexander Levy and two clear of Jayden Schaper from South Africa. Jarvis have won twice in three tournaments on the Sunshine Tour and is now challenging for a maiden DP World Tour title. A win for Gerard will place him in the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking and secure a Masters invite for next year.

# And finally, tourists who want to get close to Rome’s Trevi Fountain will soon have to pay a 40-rand fee as authorities look to profit more handsomely from Italy’s many attractions. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri told reporters the new payment system would start on February 1, adding that the measure was expected to raise 127-million-rand a year. Citizens of Rome will continue to have free access to the fountain. The Trevi Fountain, where tradition dictates that visitors toss a coin into the water to guarantee their return to Rome, has long been a major tourist attraction.

Stay tuned for more news………….