News 13:00

BULLETIN 25 November 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Correctional Services tightens security at Kgoši the Mampuru Prison ahead of Matlala’s testimony
# TLU SA says farmers are bracing for a season of excessive rainfall
# And tennis: The ITF’s CEO believes a new wave of challengers will emerge despite Sinner and Alcaraz’s dominance

# The Department of Correctional Services says security has been heightened significantly at the Kgoši Mampuru Correctional Centre in Tshwane where Parliament’s ad hoc committee will hear testimony from Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala tomorrow. He is currently awaiting trial, facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder. The department’s spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, told Newzroom Afrika strict measures are in place to ensure the safety of the committee members:

# Agriculture organisation TLU SA says farmers are bracing for another season of above-average rainfall. According to the Seasonal Climate Watch issued by the South African Weather Service, above-normal rainfall is anticipated for the north-eastern regions of the country this summer. Parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo are expected to receive below-normal rainfall during this period. TLU SA’s Bennie Van Zyl says as long as farmers get adequate rain at the right time, they will get profits at the end of the season:

Moving abroad:

# Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, says his country will not hesitate to neutralise immediate threats to its citizens and soldiers. This is against the backdrop of Gaza’s fragile ceasefire. Danon says the Palestinian Authority has proven incapable of confronting radicals, stressing that terror groups operate openly. He adds Israel must step in to seize the weapons the authority ignores and disarm the terrorists it refuses to challenge:  

# Tennis: The CEO of the International Tennis Federation, Ross Hutchins, says despite Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz dominating the field at the moment, he believes a new wave of challengers will emerge. The Italian and the Spaniard, both in their early 20s, won all eight Grand Slam tournaments between them the past two years. Hutchins refers to an emerging talent like 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca, who won his second tour-level title in Basel, Switzerland, last month, saying it’s evidence the next generation is knocking on the door.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-27-cents and the euro at 19-rand-92-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-67-cents and Bitcoin trades at 86-thousand-818-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-126-dollars-61-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 62-dollars-26-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The Western Cape government has unveiled a vibrant line-up of cultural and tourism events set to draw thousands of visitors in the coming weeks. Highlights include the Mitchells Plain Festival, MosJazz in Mossel Bay, the George Festival, the Cederberg Festival, and the international Italian Film Focus. Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Ricardo Mackenzie says these events uplift communities, support small businesses, and create jobs. The province will also host the Cape Town sevens rugby tournament next weekend.

Stay tuned for more news………….