News 15:00

BULLETIN 2 December 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA demands a probe into alleged forced early retirements at the State Security Agency
# Border Management is boosted with additional personnel
# And rugby: The Sharks improve to sixth in the URC standings after beating the Stormers in Durban

# The DA demands an investigation into reports minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has instructed all State Security Agency employees over the age of 50 years to either take early retirement or face retrenchment. The party warns the planned overhaul could result in a significant loss of expertise. The DA’s Dianne Kohler Barnard calls for a more thoughtful reform approach, with proper assessments of each employee’s role, and plans to raise the issue in Parliament:

# The Border Management Authority has deployed 69 additional personnel to key ports of entry for service delivery and technical support. Commissioner Michael Masiapato says the further deployment of 400 junior border guards has also enhanced the Border Management Authority’s capacity, strengthening access control and security. He also says coastal guards have been added to bolster monitoring at maritime borders during the festive season:

# The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Global Plastics Treaty has concluded without any agreement. The Pan-African Plastic Project has expressed disappointment over its failure to address plastic pollution’s impact on communities. Meanwhile Greenpeace’s Graham Forbes emphasises the need for more ambitious and binding targets to reduce plastic production and protect communities. Despite setbacks, over 100 member states committed to a treaty, with hopes for progress in future negotiations.

# Rugby: The Sharks improved from ninth to sixth in the United Rugby Championship standings after beating the Stormers 21-15 in Durban this weekend. The Cape Town team is still languishing in 13th position in a nightmare year, with the former champion only able to win two out of their six matches so far. The Bulls are carrying the South African flag in third position after Leinster and Glasgow Warriors, only losing one match so far. The Lions are in fifth behind Cardiff.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-16-cents and the euro at 19-rand-10-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-7-cents and Bitcoin trades at 95-thousand-142-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-642-dollars-21-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-47-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Sanlam has called on South Africans to remain vigilant against advanced fee loan scams as the festive season nears. Sanlam Credit Solutions’ Ayanda Ndimande told Citizen scammers are preying on financially stretched consumers, through promises of large loans with low interest rates, requiring upfront payments that lead to no payout. Ndimande emphasises the need to watch for red flags including bulk email contacts. She also asks consumers to protect their personal data, monitor credit reports, and report suspicious activities to the bank and police.

Stay tuned for more news………….