News 13:00

BULLETIN 12 October 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The dollar nears an 18-month high
# Ramaphosa says transformation of the agriculture sector is necessary for the economy and food security
# And rugby: The Bulls and the Stormers improve their standings on the United Rugby Championship log after this weekend’s victories

# The US dollar is holding near an 18-month high as escalating conflict in the Middle East keeps investors cautious. Reuters reports traders are also watching US inflation figures due on Wednesday, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s next interest-rate decision. Attacks on Saudi Arabian energy facilities and two tankers over the weekend have added to market uncertainty. Oil prices have fluctuated in early Asian trade. The dollar’s strength could put pressure on emerging-market currencies, including the rand.

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the transformation of South Africa’s agricultural sector is both necessary for the broader transformation of the economy and critical to food security. In his weekly newsletter, he says through the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy, government is releasing approximately 2.5 million hectares of state-owned land to black farmers and providing them with title deeds. Ramaphosa says another important ingredient for a successful farming enterprise is affordable, patient capital for new-era commercial farmers. He adds the agriculture sector holds immense potential for growth and jobs.

# The Motor Industry Staff Association wishes the class of 2026 success ahead of the final National Senior Certificate examinations, starting tomorrow. A record 962-thousand-832 candidates have registered to sit the examinations. MISA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says financial support, including its 12-thousand-500-rand bursary and school support programme, helps members’ children complete schooling and pursue tertiary studies:

The United Progressive People Alliance has also wished the Matric Class of 2026 well. Umalusi has confirmed approximately 1.08-million candidates are registered to write th examinations at nine-thousand-183 centres. UPPA spokesperson Abel Tau has recognised the hard work, sacrifices and determination shown by the matrics in reaching this important stage of their educational journey:

# Rugby: The Bulls and the Stormers improved their United Rugby Championship standings after the weekend’s victories. The Bulls shot up from seventh to third after humiliating the Lions 57-15 in the Jukskei Derby at Loftus. The Stormers improved from eighth to fourth after beating the Sharks 39-22 in Cape Town. The Sharks lie in fifth position and the Lions in seventh. All four South African teams have now won two of their first three matches. Scottish team Edinburgh is first and Wales’ Glasgow Warriors second.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-54-cents and the euro at 18-rand-52-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-90-cents and Bitcoin trades at 83-thousand-422-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-177-dollars-86-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 107-dollars-84-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….