News 13:00

BULLETIN 13 December 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Trevor Manuel is to lead the G20 Africa Expert Panel
# The DA condemns the failed attack on the Genocide and Holocaust Centre in Cape Town
# And Tennis: Eight local players and Stan Wawrinka are granted Australian Open wildcards

# Former Finance minister Trevor Manuel will chair the G20 Africa Expert Panel, a key initiative under South Africa’s G20 presidency. The panel will advise leaders on addressing Africa’s social and economic challenges, particularly the growing debt crisis. Manuel’s role aligns with his recent appointment to a United Nations expert group, tasked with galvanising action around the debt crisis facing developing countries. Finance minister Enoch Godongwana says debt sustainability can be achieved by introducing measures for countries to make the right investments, and undertake appropriate reforms.

# The DA says it is appalled to learn that the device placed near the Genocide and Holocaust Centre in Gardens, Cape Town, was indeed an explosive device. It was found in the parking area last Friday. The DA’s Emma Louise Powell says this failed attack seems to have been targeting South African citizens and their place of worship based on religious affiliation. She adds that citizens have a constitutional right to religious freedom, free from intimidation, harassment or violence:

# Eskom’s grace period for zero buyers to regularise accounts concludes today. Customers must settle tamper fines and address meter issues to restore electricity without added charges. Following this deadline, Eskom will intensify audits and issue penalties of up to 12-thousand-rand for non-compliance. Customers are urged to act promptly to avoid penalties and service disruptions. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena highlights available payment support and encourages eligible households to apply for the free basic electricity grant through local municipalities:

# Tennis: Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has been handed a wildcard for the Australian Open in Melbourne. The 39-year-old Swiss has struggled to advance far in the tournament since he won the title in 2014, due to a horror run with injuries. Eight Australians also won wildcards, including Daria Saville and Ajla Tomljanovic. Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai and Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej have already been granted main draw wildcard entry after winning an Asia-Pacific playoff. The first Grand Slam of the year starts on the 12th of January.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-88-cents and the euro at 18-rand-70-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-57-cents and Bitcoin trades at 100-thousand-119-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-671-dollars-51-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-27-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The Addams Family Musical takes the stage at the Homecoming Centre, formerly The Fugard, in Cape Town from tomorrow. The production is a tale of unlikely connections as the dark and mysterious Wednesday Addams falls for a boy from an ordinary family, Lucas Beineke. As their two worlds collide, the show explores themes of love, vulnerability, and the importance of family bonds. The show is directed by Garth Tavares and stars Samantha Peo and Tiaan Rautenbach.

Stay tuned for more news………….