News 13:00

BULLETIN 11 January 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South African Christian organisations demand the withdrawal of the genocide charge against Israel 
# The Competition Commission considers appealing the rand manipulation ruling
# And Cricket: Injured Rashid Khan will miss Afghanistan’s T20 series against India 

# A group of South African Christian organisations have vehemently opposed the government’s move to initiate a genocide case against Israel. They demand an immediate retraction, saying it lacks merit and harms national interests. The Christian leaders argue the decision is flawed, claiming Israel was responding to unprovoked attacks supported by Hamas’ destructive charter. The organisations also warn of adverse political and economic repercussions, as key allies like the US, Germany, and Britain perceive the decision as endorsing Hamas’ actions, potentially straining diplomatic and trade relations.

# The Competition Commission says it is considering appealing the Competition Appeal Court’s ruling on its rand manipulation case. The court upheld appeals, reviews, and dismissal applications of 24 of the 28 local and international banks, fingered in manipulating the rand between 2007 and 2013. Only five of the 28 banks that the commission wanted to prosecute will have to defend themselves at trial. The Competition Commission’s spokesperson, Siyabulela Makunga, says its legal team is currently studying the ruling:

# The Department of Water and Sanitation says the country’s dam levels have gradually improved amid severe rainfall in some parts of the country. This week, the overall storage capacity of the country’s water level sits at 91-percent, a slight increase from last week’s 89.9-percent. The department’s acting spokesperson, Andile Tshon, says surprisingly, most of the country’s water supply systems have recorded downward movements in water levels despite the ongoing rainfall:

# Cricket: Superstar Rashid Khan will miss Afghanistan’s T20 series against India, although he travelled with the team. The leg-spinner had to withdraw from South Africa’s SA20 and Australia’s Big Bash League with a lower-back injury. Afghanistan’s captain, Ibrahim Zadran, says Khan is undergoing rehabilitation with the hope to get ready as soon as possible. The first of the three T20s takes place in Mohali today, followed by the second in Indore on Sunday and the final one in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

# And finally: The National Credit Regulator urges consumers to borrow wisely this month to navigate the financial challenges often faced after the festive season. With the long gap between December and January paydays, some resort to excessive borrowing for essentials like rent, food, and school fees, leading to impaired credit records. The regulator suggests planning repayments, understanding credit agreements, and encourages consumers to be aware of credit costs. Consumers are cautioned against desperation-driven loans and to avoid unregistered credit providers to safeguard their financial well-being.

Stay tuned for more news………….