News 15:00

BULLETIN 18 September 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# BUSA is encouraged by government’s openness over the National Health Insurance Act
# Minister Leon Schreiber announces an overhaul of citizenship and immigration laws
# And golf: Jordan Spieth is aiming to return to the PGA Tour by the start of next season

# Business Unity South Africa’s leadership says it is encouraged by government’s openness to engage on the substantive concerns raised by companies regarding the National Health Insurance Act. BUSA CEO Cas Coovadia says at president Cyril Ramaphosa’s request, they will prepare a proposal detailing solutions to address the concerns as a basis for further engagement with government. He says BUSA’s primary objective is to render the NHI Act workable, affordable and implementable:

# Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber says a final White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection will align with the government of national unity’s goals. Addressing Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Schreiber stressed the need for careful consideration before the white paper is presented by 2027. He says the reforms aim to overhaul the immigration system and address issues in the Refugees Act to reduce transgressions:

# The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal is deeply saddened by the passing of the party’s provincial treasurer, Musawenkosi Mkhwanazi. The party’s Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala says Mkhwanazi passed away in the early hours of this morning while in hospital, following an illness. He was a former mayor of the Inkosi Mtubatuba Municipality and, at the time of his passing, served on the party provincial executive committee as treasurer. Shabalala says Mkhwanazi was a reliable and trusted pillar to the late Zulu King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and the late Zulu Prime Minister, Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

# Golf: Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth says he is expecting to make his return to the PGA Tour early next year after undergoing wrist surgery. The 31-year-old dealt with wrist issues since May last year, when he injured it while playing with his son. He resisted surgery at the time, opting for a rest-and-recovery strategy. The American finally had surgery last month. Spieth says his recovery is progressing well:

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-57-cents and the euro at 19-rand-55-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-23-cents and Bitcoin trades at 59-thousand-957-dollars-43-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-577-dollars-26-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-78-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The Grandads Army has raised over 350-thousand-rand in support of the Eyabantwana For The Children Trust. The Trust aims to enhance surgical care for children from across the Eastern Cape, many of whom travel very long distances to access treatment. Contributions benefit young patients based at Frere and Cecilia Makiwane Hospital. The 10th edition of the Grandads Army Memorial Ride will take place in March next year, and the goal is to raise 500-thousand-rand.

Stay tuned for more news………….