News 13:00

BULLETIN 2 December 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The official fuel price drop for December has been confirmed
# BOSA welcomes the High Court ruling to end load-shedding in public facilities
# And, rugby: The Blitzboks Women lose at the World Sevens to New Zealand and Fiji

# The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has released the official fuel price adjustments for December, signalling a significant reduction. Petrol prices for both 93-and-95-octane will decrease by 65-cents per litre, while diesel prices will see a drop ranging from two-rand-35 to two-rand-41-cents per-litre. Illuminating paraffin will undergo a decrease of 1-rand-71-cents per-litre, whereas LP GAS will see an increase of 1-rand-67-cents per kilogramme. The department attributes the LPG price hike to increased propane and butane prices resulting from seasonal demand.

# Build One South Africa has applauded the High Court in Pretoria ruling instructing the government to cease load-shedding in public facilities by the end of January 2024. This directive encompasses public hospitals, clinics, schools, and police stations. BOSA’s president, Mmusi Maimane, expressed his approval of the judgment, asserting that persistent power cuts infringe upon the rights of South Africans. Maimane emphasised to eNCA the importance of government compliance with the court’s decision:

#The Wild Africa Fund and SANParks emphasise the critical need to conserve key species to safeguard South Africa’s natural ecosystems. This plea comes as South Africans are called upon to protect the country’s wildlife. National Red List assessments reveal that 17-percent of South Africa’s mammals and 15-percent of its birds are threatened with extinction. South Africa ranks 20th globally for the most endangered species. The organisations stress that protecting natural heritage ensures healthy environmental ecosystems and paves the way for a more sustainable future.

# The African Diaspora Global Network has responded to the two-year extension of the Lesotho and Zimbabwe permits, providing some clarity for the next two years. The network’s president, Vusumuzi Sibanda, expressed concerns about the timely processing of the new permits, as the process can be lengthy. Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced the extension, stating that new Lesotho Exemption Permits and Zimbabwe Exemption Permits would be valid until 29 November 2025. Permit holders will be entitled to work, study, and conduct business:

# And, rugby: South Africa’s Blitzboks Women faced a tough challenge and ultimately lost 19-14 to New Zealand in their opening match of Pool A at the World Rugby Sevens in Dubai. The Blitzboks women initially took the lead with a score of 14-5 in the first break of the match. Nadine Roos and Maria Tshiremba contributed tries for South Africa in the 3rd and 4th minutes of the game. The Blitzboks Women also lost a later game against Fiji 21-17.

Stay tuned for more news………….