News 14:00

BULLETIN 24 January 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ATM calls for land to be returned to its rightful owners amid the implementation of the Expropriation Act
# Tshwane implements key steps to address the Auditor-General’s findings
# And tennis: Novak Djokovic hints that he could have played his last Australian Open

# African Transformation Movement leader Vuyo Zungula has condemned the signing of the Expropriation Bill, insisting that land must be returned to its rightful owners. The act outlines state land expropriation for public interest after years of consultations and deliberations. Zungula insists that the legislation makes a mockery of public participation and fails to address historical injustices:

# The City of Tshwane is tackling issues raised in the Auditor-General’s 2023/24 report, which highlighted 2.3-billion-rand in irregular expenditure and poor financial controls. After receiving a qualified audit opinion for a second year, the city says it is rolling out a comprehensive remedial action plan. Measures include improving asset management, streamlining payables and receivables, and enhancing supply chain compliance. The city has assured residents of its commitment to restore accountability and governance.

# The DA says South Africa cannot continue to be extorted by criminals, and a stand must be taken against these acts of intimidation. This week, a witness in a criminal case was shot and killed outside of Lenasia Magistrate’s Court in the south of Johannesburg. The DA’s Glynnis Breytenbach says in Cape Town, a witness was gunned down outside Wynberg Magistrate’s Court:

# Tennis: Twenty-four-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he has a muscle tear on his upper left leg, after retiring from the Australian Open semifinal match against Alexander Zverev. The Serb, who was bidding for a record-extending eleventh title in Melbourne, retired injured after losing the first set 7-6 against the German. Djokovic says there is a possibility this was his last Australian Open:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-32-cents and the euro at 19-rand-22-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-78-cents and Bitcoin trades at 105-thousand-245-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-773-dollars-97-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 77-dollars-81-cents a barrel.

# And finally: President of Microsoft Africa, Lillian Barnard, has announced the 2025 Global Artificial Intelligence Tour, visiting South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya. The tour was launched with the aim of advancing Africa’s digital transformation by showcasing AI innovations to business leaders, IT professionals, and developers. Barnard says Microsoft’s vision will focus on empowering businesses and startups to leverage AI for sustainable growth. The company expressed commitment to prioritise cyber security.

Stay tuned for more news………….