News 13:00

BULLETIN 15 January 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa attends the presidential inauguration in Mozambique
# Minister Senzo Mchunu says investigations to arrest the kingpins of the Stilfontein illegal mining operation are ongoing
# And Rugby: The Bulls still aim for the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup

# President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Maputo for the inauguration of Mozambique’s president-elect Daniel Chapo, following the 9 October elections. This comes amid ongoing protests as opposition leader Venancio Mondlane called for fresh unrest. In a statement the Presidency says that the event marks a step toward peace and development in Mozambique. Ramaphosa has expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting unity among Mozambicans. Ramaphosa will be accompanied by International Relations minister Ronald Lamola and minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

# Police minister Senzo Mchunu says authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend the syndicate kingpins behind this illegal mining operation in Stilfonterin, North West. Over 60 bodies were retrieved from the mine shaft yesterday, during a government-led rescue operation. Mchunu confirmed the recovery of explosives, equipment and gold worth over 52-million-rand. He has warned against illegal mining as it affects the economy and the mining sector:

# BOSA says recognising the importance of a smooth start to the academic year, it has launched the Schools Complaints Hotline to address education challenges. BOSA spokesperson, Roger Solomons says all concerns raised through the hotline will be diligently compiled and presented to Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube, as well as to Parliament’s Education Portfolio Committee for urgent attention and resolution:

# One of Vietnam’s largest state TV broadcasters went off air today as part of sweeping bureaucratic reforms that will see 20-percent of the public workforce cut across the country. The ruling Communist party wants to streamline the political system to reduce red tape and slash spending. The reforms will see eight ministries and government agencies cut and media organisations restructured in reforms described as “a revolution” by senior officials. Vietnam’s second-most popular TV station, VTC , went off air, with its 13 channels broadcasting for the final time yesterday.

# Rugby: The Bulls are out of contention for the Champions Cup, but they remain hopeful of qualifying for the Challenge Cup. The Pretoria side face French side Stade Francais at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. If they finish fifth in their pool they can sneak into the last 16 of the second-tier Challenge Cup. For that to happen, they would need a bonus point victory over the French side and win by at least 22 points without the visitors claiming any losing bonus points. Kick-off on Saturday is at 3pm.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-85-cents and the euro at 19-rand-42-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-1-cent and Bitcoin trades at 97-thousand-287-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-685-dollars-14-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 79-dollars-26-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….