News 12:00

BULLETIN 18 January 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC labels the Western Cape Provincial Powers Bill as a backward step for South Africa
# The GOOD Party says Tshwane’s deputy mayor position reeks of a moonshot appeasement 
# And tennis: Zverev and Swiatek battle through to the third round of the Australian Open 

# The ANC has criticised the Western Cape Provincial Powers Bill, backed by the DA, labeling it a backward step for South Africa. The bill was introduced in May last year and seeks to devolve certain functions to provincial and local levels, addressing perceived failures of the national government. The ANC deems it unconstitutional, accusing the Western Cape of embracing right-wing ideologies reminiscent of apartheid. Despite legal concerns, the DA-led committee advanced the bill, prompting public hearings. The ANC urges public rejection, citing constitutional contradictions.

# The GOOD Party in Tshwane says the proposed deputy mayor position in the metro is a complete waste of public funds, simply aimed at keeping coalition partners happy at the expense of residents. ActionSA’s chief director of governance, Nasiphi Moya, has been nominated for the position, with the Tshwane council expected to vote today. GOOD’s Sarah Mabotsa says for far too long, the residents have had to bear the brunt of poor financial decision-making by the DA-led coalition:

# Firefighters in the Cape Winelands District Municipality in the Western Cape are currently battling a fire on Paarl Mountain in Paarl. This follows after fire crews battled fires above Kalk Bay and in Franschhoek yesterday, which have now been fully contained. The municipality’s spokesperson, Jo-Anne Otto, says the fire on Paarl Mountain is burning out of control:

# Pakistan has carried out a series of military strikes against militants in Iran, reportedly killing three women and four children. According to reports, this is in retaliation to Tuesday’s attacks by Tehran, targeting sites within Pakistan’s borders belonging to a Sunni separatist militant group. This left two people dead. Pakistan’s Foreign ministry says it fully respects Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but its action was a manifestation of the country’s unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.

# Tennis: World number six Alexander Zverev battled passed Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein, avoiding consecutive second-round exits at the Australian Open. The German claimed a 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, victory in over four hours to make the third round in Melbourne. Norwegian Casper Ruud also survived a five-setter against Australian Max Purcell. In the women’s draw, world number one Iga Świątek avoided an early exit as she recorded a hard-fought, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, victory against American Danielle Collins. The Polish player says it was a difficult match:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-99-cents and the euro at 20-rand-67-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-11-cents and Bitcoin trades at 42-thousand-816-dollars-41-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-10-dollars-10-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-3-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….