News 13:00

BULLETIN 17 October 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africa calls for fair climate finance ahead of COP31
# Suliman Carrim explains his planned spiritual overseas trip to the court
# And, Donald Trump waives new sanctions against Russia

# Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, David Maynier, says South Africa will push for fair climate financing at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkey, in November. Maynier says developing countries need greater support to adapt to climate change, reduce emissions and protect vulnerable communities. He says climate action must support industrialisation, job creation and poverty reduction. The minister confirmed a fund targeting loss and damage due to climate change: 

# Businessman Suliman Carrim told the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court that his planned trip included a religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia via Dubai, followed by a visit to Pakistan. His lawyer, Advocate Hendrik Potgieter, maintained that Carrim had a return ticket, disputing the State’s investigating officer Jimmy Kubayi’s claim of a one-way booking and that he was a possible flight risk. Carrim emphasised the trip for spiritual upliftment was decided after his doctor’s advice:

# The Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services received 554 reports of alleged force against inmates during the 2025/26 financial year. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, inspecting Judge Lee Bozalek raised concerns about rising unnatural deaths and questions surrounding deaths in custody. These include cases at Pollsmoor and Goodwood correctional facilities. Bozalek says overcrowding and the smuggling of contraband remain major challenges in South African prisons, raising concerns about inmate safety, and human rights:

# Eskom says Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit One was safely taken offline yesterday after a protection system activated during testing linked to planned maintenance on Unit Two. Engineering teams are investigating the cause and assessing whether corrective action is needed. Eskom says there are no nuclear safety concerns, with all safety systems operating normally and the station remaining stable. The utility says sufficient generation capacity is available to meet electricity demand despite the temporary loss of Unit One.

# US President Donald Trump has waived key sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia, just days before they were due to take effect under a law he signed last month. The measures were intended to increase pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. They included tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas. Trump says the waiver is in the United States’ national interest, but he has not explained the decision in detail. Critics say the move undermines efforts to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war.

# And rugby: New Zealand have thrashed Australia 43-21 in the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney, completing a clean sweep of the two-match series. The All Blacks dominated the first half, scoring 36 points to Australia’s seven. Beauden Barrett scored a try after intercepting a pass, while Peter Lakai and other New Zealand players helped the visitors build an unassailable lead. Australia fought back after the break but could not close the gap. The victory extends New Zealand’s winning streak against the Wallabies to 13 Tests.

Stay tuned for more news………….