News 13:00

BULLETIN NEWS AGENCY 15 November 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa accepts the resignation of the State Security Agency head Thembisile Majola
# The Parliamentary committee endorses the DA’s plan to cut VAT on food
#And Soccer: Neymar faces a prolonged recovery from a knee injury 

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted the resignation of State Security Agency director-general Thembisile Majola. The resignation, effective from 30 November, is said to be on mutual consent. Majola, a former deputy minister of Energy, assumed the role of SSA director-general on 1 March last year. Ramaphosa has expressed appreciation for Majola’s contribution to the reform and rebuilding of the State Security Agency.

# The DA welcomes the endorsement by Parliament’s standing committee on Finance to expand the zero-VAT-rated food basket, aiming to alleviate financial strains on households. While the National Treasury hints at potential tax measures to offset revenue shortfalls, the party vehemently opposes additional taxes. Amid economic challenges, the DA’s Dion George urges minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana to act promptly, proposing the inclusion of essential items. George advocates for prudent expenditure management as an alternative to tax increases:

Play sound: ENG GeorgeOnVAT

# The City of Tshwane is hosting the inaugural C40 Cities Political Leadership Masterclass on Climate Change Governance in Pretoria today and tomorrow. The event is fully funded by the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. C40 is a network of about 100 mayors from leading cities across the globe who are working to protect the environment and living spaces by effectively fighting climate change. The Masterclass on Climate Change Governance is a first of its kind for Tshwane and will be attended by political leaders and delegates from 12 African cities.

# Soccer: National team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has confirmed that Brazilian forward Neymar faces an extended recovery from his recent knee injury. Neymar, who underwent successful surgery two weeks ago, is expected to be sidelined for an extended period due to anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries in his left knee. Lasmar expressed satisfaction with Neymar’s progress, but emphasised the complex nature of the injury, which required a lengthy rehabilitation process. The Brazilian Football Confederation aims for Neymar’s return for the 2024 Copa America in June.

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-20-cents and the euro at 19-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-68-cents and Bitcoin trades at 35-thousand-918-dollars-4-cents. Gold sells at one-thousand-970-dollars-97-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 81-dollars-94-cents a barrel.

# And finally:  Eastern Cape MEC for Education Fundile Gade has unveiled phase three of the restoration project of the Healdtown High School near Fort Beaufort. The project is to preserve and restore the legacy of the historic school as an institution of cultural and educational excellence. Among the great illustrious former students are politicians, church leaders, academics, publishers, doctors, and historians including the late Nelson Mandela. Gade says phase three will include a hostel with 700 beds:

Play sound: ENG FundileonHealdton

Stay tuned for more news………….