News 13:00

BULLETIN 23 November 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa celebrates MSME and cooperatives excellence
# Minister Motsoaledi warns austerity could impact the NHI implementation
# And rugby: Andy Farrell denies Johnny Sexton’s presence in Ireland camp puts pressure on his successors

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended micro, small, and medium enterprises and cooperatives for their crucial role in economic growth at the Presidential MSME and Cooperatives Awards. Hailing entrepreneurs as drivers of innovation and transformation, he emphasised their impact on the economy. Ramaphosa urged efforts to double entrepreneurship to boost job creation and foster sustainable economic growth:

# Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi has cautioned that government austerity measures could delay the National Health Insurance rollout. Speaking to the National Council of Provinces, he highlighted that restraint affects all state programmes, including universal healthcare. However, Motsoaledi dismissed claims of inevitable tax hikes to fund the NHI, stating such narratives aim to undermine the project. He emphasised that NHI funding will follow annual parliamentary appropriations under the newly signed NHI Act.

# City Power reports that only under 600 prepaid meters remain unconverted as the Sunday token identifier rollover deadline looms. Over 99-percent of meters have been upgraded, with Alexandra posing challenges due to customer reluctance. Temporary suspension of penalty fees, ranging from 14-thousand to 30-thousand has boosted voluntary compliance. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena has urged customers to upgrade promptly to avoid disconnection and hefty penalties from Monday:

# The South African Zionist Federation has condemned the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence minister Yoav Gallant. Spokesperson Rolene Marks has termed the move as baseless and politically motivated. Marks highlighted jurisdictional flaws, noting Israel is not an ICC member state. She also described the move as a violation of sovereign self-defense rights, undermining international law, and criticised the ICC for equating Israel’s defense actions with terrorist acts.

# And rugby: Ireland’s head coach, Andy Farrell, has denied suggestions former flyhalf Johnny Sexton’s presence as a consultant in the national setup is putting pressure on his successors. Sexton ended his Test career after last year’s World Cup and currently helps the players with their kicking, while also mentoring them. Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley and Sam Prendergast are vying for the number ten jersey. Farrell says he hopes Sexton’s input will continue in early next year’s Six Nations series.

Stay tuned for more news………….