News 13:00

BULLETIN 2 January 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Traffic is increasing on the N3 toll route
# The British government issues a warning against traveling to Mozambique
# And, rugby: Etzebeth and Mbonambi should be fit for the Sharks’ Champions Cup match against Toulouse

# The N3 Toll Concession says as holidaymakers begin their return journeys, traffic is increasing on the route from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga towards Gauteng. This is expected to continue over the weekend. Spokesperson Thania Dhoogra says if possible, they recommend travel outside of peak periods as high traffic volumes typically result in slow-moving traffic and congestion. This may contribute to difficult driving conditions, putting additional strain on drivers and emergency resources:

This comes as the South African Weather Service has issued severe weather warnings across South Africa this week. This includes heavy rains in Gauteng, North West and Limpopo, with flooding risks. Severe thunderstorms are forecast for Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, potentially damaging infrastructure and property. Parts of the Eastern Cape face a heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 37-degrees-Celsius in some areas. Scattered rain and showers are also expected in the eastern and central regions over the weekend, as well as the south coast of the Western Cape.

# The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised against all but essential travel to Mozambique, citing political instability and escalating violence. This warning follows South Africa’s caution against traveling to Mozambique, impacting the tourism sector. The unrest, tied to contested elections, has seen protests turn violent. Travellers are urged to avoid large gatherings and monitor local updates. According to reports, tourism numbers have drastically declined, jeopardising the country’s economy.

# Rugby: The Sharks received the welcome news that Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Bongo Mbonambi should be fit for next weekend’s Champions Cup match against Toulouse in Durban, but another Bok, André Esterhuizen, could be sidelined for up to six weeks with a knee injury. Head coach John Plumtree says Mbonambi will have an x-ray taken to ensure his hand has healed properly, while Etzebeth must still undergo one test for concussion. There is still uncertainty over the return of Boks Aphelele Fassi and Lukhanyo Am.

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-75-cents and the euro at 19-rand-43-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-42-cents and Bitcoin trades at 96-thousand-281-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-637-dollars-72-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-82-cents a barrel.

#  And finally: eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba says 21 beaches remain open in the metro and are safe for swimming. During a New Moon Spring Tide, bathers are urged to swim at designated bathing beaches and advised to always adhere to water safety regulations. Xaba says swimming at non-bathing beaches, swimming at night and swimming under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited:

Stay tuned for more news………….