News 14:00

BULLETIN 9 February 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul O’Sullivan will testify in camera before Parliament’s ad hoc committee tomorrow
# Gwede Mantashe says the mining sector and private partnerships are the key to sustainable development
# And cricket: Scotland beats Italy by 73 runs in the T20 World Cup

# Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has confirmed to SABC News he will testify in camera before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing alleged political interference in the justice system tomorrow. He had earlier declined to appear in person, citing safety concerns and requesting to testify virtually from a South African embassy. National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza rejected claims of protecting O’Sullivan, stating he did not refuse to appear but applied under the committee’s rules. He will attend with full security in place.

# Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, highlights the Mining Indaba in Cape Town as a platform for global leaders and investors to engage on the future of mining in South Africa and across Africa. He emphasised responsible mining, alongside strategic collaboration with the private sector, can create jobs and attract investment. Mantashe adds it also supports sustainable development and unlocks new economic opportunities for communities and the country:

# The Eastern Cape Health Department says four children who were admitted following a suspected food poisoning incident in Msintsi near Fort Jackson have been discharged from the hospital. Seven boys aged between two and six were admitted to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital on Friday after presenting with symptoms including weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness. The department’s spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana, says two died, and one remains in hospital:

# Several people have been injured when a bus overturned in Reservoir Hills in the west of Durban. Emergency services are on scene, with private ambulance crews attending to the injured. Spokesperson Garrith Jamieson says between 15 and 20 passengers were hurt. The roadway has been completely closed. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes. The cause of the accident remains unknown and investigations are underway.

# Cricket: Scotland beat Italy by 73 runs in their T20 World Cup Group C match in Kolkata, India. The Scots posted a very good 207 for four thanks to George Munsey’s 84 and Brandon McMullen’s undefeated 41. Italy was then dismissed for just 134 in their 17th over despite Ben Manenti’s 52 off just 31 balls. Michael Leask took four wickets and Mark Watt two. Today’s other matches see Zimbabwe face Oman in Colombo, Sri Lanka, followed by South Africa’s opening match against Canada in Ahmedabad, India.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-4-cents and the euro at 19-rand-3-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-83-cents and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-54-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-990-dollars-52-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-90-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….