News 13:00

BULLETIN NEWS AGENCY 16 December 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# ATM leader Vuyo Zungula urges unity between the EFF and the MK Party 
# 14 killed in an N9 crash near Graaff-Reinet
# And, cricket: Both England openers fall as New-Zealand march towards a big win in the third Test

# Africa Transformation Movement leader Vuyo Zungula believes tensions between the EFF and MK Party can be resolved following leadership defections. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, on the sideline of MK Party’s first anniversary, Zungula called for dialogue between party leaders to mend the rift, emphasising unity within the progressive caucus. He highlighted that collaboration among diverse political parties fosters growth and strengthens collective efforts:

# Fourteen people have died in a collision on the N9, 30 kilometers from Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape. A minibus and an SUV collided in the early hours of the morning. Emergency services are on the scene, but the number of injured remains unconfirmed. Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson, Makhaya Komisa has urged motorists to exercise caution in the area:

# The DA oversight visit to Vosloorus Extension 28 Clinic has exposed dire conditions at its Ekurhuleni healthcare services. The Vosloo Rust facility, serving up to four-thousand patients monthly, suffers from severe staff shortages, inadequate medical supplies, and poor maintenance. DA’s Haseena Ismail says broken ceilings, non-functional air conditioners, and lack of water storage highlight the neglect. She urges immediate action to address these failures and restore essential healthcare services:

# MTN plans to acquire a banking licence, pending South African Reserve Bank approval for Fintechs’ access to the national payment system. Already offering Mobile Money services like money transfers and payments, MTN envisions bypassing traditional bank sponsorships. MTN says it seeks to attract and target more informal businesses and low-income consumers. Recent enhancements include Mastercard partnerships and international remittances.

# And, finally: Cricket: England lost their opening batsmen Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley in a poor start to an already unrealistic chase of 658 runs on the third day of the third test in Hamilton. The visitors were 18 for 2 after Duckett and Crawley were both removed in the six overs bowled before stumps on day three. New-Zealand need eight more wickets to secure a consolation win after England won the first two Tests.  

Stay tuned for more news………….