News 13:00
BULLETIN 28 October 1 pm
Good afternoon. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# The chemical Terbufos is linked to the deaths of six learners in Naledi, Soweto
# Cosatu urges government to table a progressive medium-term budget policy statement
# And rugby: The Wallabies face the All Blacks in Perth next year after huge interest in the Test against the Springboks
# Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi has announced that a toxicology report confirmed an organophosphate chemical, Terbufos, caused the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto. The learners fell ill after consuming snacks from a local spaza shop earlier this month. Motsoaledi says post mortem samples confirmed the chemical’s presence. He says no direct link to the shop has been established yet, as further analysis is underway:
# Cosatu says a growing economy and workers in jobs will generate the tax revenue the state requires to fund its constitutional developmental mandate and reduce its debt levels. The federation union has laid out its expectations ahead of Wednesday’s medium-term budget policy statement. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says whilst appreciating the many demands facing the state, government needs to inject resources into key programmes that will help unlock growth, provide relief to the poor and create jobs:
# The ANC has announced its opposition to any rise in electricity tariffs. During a media briefing at the ANC’s national executive committee meeting in Boksburg, Economic Transformation Committee chairperson Mmamaloko Kubayi emphasised that electricity must remain affordable. She highlighted the party’s commitment to protecting households and stabilising the sector by ensuring subsidies for vulnerable South Africans to mitigate rising costs:
# Rugby: The Wallabies will play the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup in Perth next year, and the Pumas in the Rugby Championship in Townsville and Sydney. The Test against New Zealand on 4 October will only be the third Bledisloe Cup Test to be played in Perth, and Townsville will host a Test for the first time in four years on September 6. Rugby Australia says they decided to play the All Blacks in Perth following this year’s massive interest for the Test against the Springboks.
# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-62-cents and the euro at 19-rand-6-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-86-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-298-dollars-46-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-732-dollars-74-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-91-cents a barrel.
# And finally: Dis-Chem plans to launch its life insurance business in the first quarter of 2025, positioning itself as a major disruptor in the South African market. CEO Rui Morais emphasises the retailer’s unique insight into health consumption risks through its pharmacies and clinics, allowing it to price products competitively. With plans for nearly ten different insurance offerings, Dis-Chem aims to attract policyholders, especially those with chronic conditions, while driving foot traffic to its stores and enhancing revenue margins.
Stay tuned for more news………….