News 15:00

BULLETIN 21 October 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The private sector is the key to South Africa’s future electricity needs
# South Africa is urged to diversify its agricultural export markets
# And tennis: Nick Kyrgios hopes to return to action in the Australian Open

# The ministry of Energy and Electricity has stressed the importance of private sector involvement in meeting South Africa’s energy needs. Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says the Independent Power Producer Programme will fully utilise renewable energy to ensure supply and lower electricity costs. He adds the ministry aims to de-risk energy generation and promote multiple electricity generators across the country:

# Agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo is urging South Africa to diversify its agricultural export markets, particularly within BRICS nations. As geopolitical tensions rise, he advised that the expansion of market access is essential for growth. Sihlobo highlights that while the agricultural sector has thrived on exports, challenges such as high import tariffs in key markets like South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam need addressing to enhance competitiveness:

# According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre, last year’s financial crimes resulted in losses of nearly 3.3-billion-rand. Cybercrime saw the sharpest rise, with digital banking fraud up by 45-percent, driven mainly by banking app fraud, which now accounts for 60-percent of all digital banking crimes. Card fraud also increased, with online fraud accounting for 68-percent of losses. Despite this, Sabric has noted a 48-percent drop in counterfeit card fraud and a 41-percent decrease in robberies at state-owned banking institutions like the Post Office.

# Tennis: Nick Kyrgios has confirmed his intention to return to action in the Australian Open in his fatherland early next year. Injuries kept the 29-year-old out of the tour for almost two seasons. The former world number 13 says although doctors warned him his wrist and knee injuries could mean the end of his career, he still dreams of winning a Grand Slam tournament before he retires. The Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, starts in Melbourne on the 12th of January.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-60-cents and the euro at 19-rand-10-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-94-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-384-dollars-59-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-735-dollars-41-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-9-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The ANC is today commemorating the legacy of struggle icon Albertina Sisulu with a series of events led by secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. Activities include a wreath-laying ceremony at Croesus Cemetery in Johannesburg, followed by a clean-up and food security campaign at the Albertina Sisulu School and a clinic in Soweto. The day will culminate in a memorial lecture at Uncle Tom’s Hall, highlighting Sisulu’s significant contributions to nursing, activism, and leadership within the ANC Women’s League, as South Africa celebrates her centenary.

Stay tuned for more news………….