News 14:00

BULLETIN 25 October 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Health minister reiterates NATJOINTS’ stance on classifying food poisoning as a security threat
# Cosatu urges Johannesburg’s mayor to fire Kabelo Gwamanda after his arrest for fraud
# And soccer: Bafana captain Ronwen Williams is nominated for three CAF Awards

# Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi has reiterated support for the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure classifying food poisoning as a national security threat. This follows multiple cases across provinces. In the most recent incident, 24 learners from Enzani Primary in Matsulu, Mpumalanga, were taken to hospital with suspected food poisoning. Motsoaledi told the SABC that authorities, including the Agriculture Department, are investigating:

# Union federation Cosatu in Gauteng urges Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero to reconsider the suspension of mayoral committee member for Community Development, Kabelo Gwamanda. They believe Gwamanda’s situation warrants immediate dismissal due to his arrest linked to an alleged illegal funeral insurance scheme. Cosatu provincial chairperson, Amos Monyela, says the former mayor needs to resign to restore public confidence and reduce financial burdens on residents: 

# The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has released the draft Petroleum Products Bill for public comment, for the next 60 days. The bill aims to replace the 1977 act, enhancing licensing processes and enforcement powers for controllers and inspectors. It introduces new categories of certified wholesalers and bulk buyers, supports economic transformation, and ensures supply security. The bill also grants the minister authority to regulate financial provisions for rehabilitation.

# US secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Lebanon’s prime minister Najib Mikati in London to discuss Israel’s strikes on the country as Washington presses the Beirut government to take charge against Hezbollah. Blinken, on his way back from a Middle East tour, met with Mikati, who attended a conference on Lebanon in Paris the day before. The United States, Israel’s main political and military ally, has stopped short of calling for an immediate ceasefire in its month of bombing of Lebanon targeting Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah.

# Soccer: Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has earned three nominations for the 2024 Confederation of African Football awards. He is in the running for Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, and Interclub Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Bafana coach Hugo Broos has been nominated for Coach of the Year. Bafana is vying for National Team of the Year and Mamelodi Sundowns for Club Team of the Year. Williams’ impressive season also saw him nominated for the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-65-cents and the euro at 19-rand-11-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-92-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-661-dollars-86-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-718-dollars-91-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-69-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….