News 14:00

BULLETIN 5 December 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cabinet welcomes South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency
# The PSA is alarmed about widespread non-compliance at public health institutions
# And rugby: Saru defends an equity deal ahead of a crucial vote

# Cabinet has expressed support for South Africa’s historic presidency of the G20. This marks the first time the country has held the presidency of the world’s premier economic forum. Cabinet says this milestone allows South Africa to influence global economic policies, focusing on inclusive growth, sustainability, climate change and inequality. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told the media the presidency is an opportunity to promote African priorities on the global agenda:

# The Public Servants Association, despite being alarmed, is not surprised by Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi revelation that out of three-thousand-and-92 public health facilities inspected, one-thousand-866 were found to be non-compliant with occupational health and safety standards. The association’s Claude Naiker says this outcome represents over 60-percent of the health institutions inspected. He says the PSA has been driving the campaign to ensure a conducive work environment in pursuit of the health and safety of public sector employees:

# The South African Zionist Federation says a proposed anti-Israel motion at the University of Cape Town could endanger millions in research funding and student support. The motion, set for discussion today, echoes a 2019 proposal that risked losing 660-million-rand in United States research funding and other critical donations. The federation’s Rolene Marks warns that political moves against Israel could jeopardise the university’s academic and financial stability, potentially affecting scholarships and partnerships.

# Almost two-thirds of French people say they are in favour of president Emmanuel Macron resigning. An interactive survey conducted hours after prime minister Michel Barnier’s government lost a vote of no-confidence, saw 64-percent of respondents call for Macron to step down. A small majority of 53-percent said they approved of the vote, but 82-percent were worried about the future of France in general. A similar figure said they are worried about the French economy, with 80-percent worried about the increase in the public deficit.

# Rugby: SA Rugby’s president, Mark Alexander, has reiterated that the 1.4-billion-rand investment with Ackerley Sports Group is essential for the sport’s sustainability amid economic struggles. SA Rugby faces a pivotal vote tomorrow for the investment deal, requiring a 75-percent majority for approval. Government concerns include transparency and ex-CEO Jurie Roux’s consultancy role despite past financial misconduct. Alexander says if the deal is rejected, SA Rugby vows to seek alternative investments.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-4-cents and the euro at 19-rand-1-cent. One British pound costs 22-rand-96-cents and Bitcoin trades at 102-thousand-824-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-647-dollars-83-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-42-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….