News 15:00

BULLETIN 10 December 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says Mpumalanga is pivotal to South Africa’s low-carbon transition
# The Cross-Border Traders Association warns the Lebombo border closure sparks economic concerns
# And Rugby Australia reveals a five-year goal to be the world’s number one nation

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says Mpumalanga is key to South Africa’s shift to a low-carbon economy. Addressing the provincial executive, the president said the province must invest in new technologies, industries, and skills to ensure the coal transition creates jobs and supports livelihoods. Ramaphosa called Mpumalanga South Africa’s powerhouse, highlighting its role in electricity generation and potential for driving growth while ensuring environmental sustainability:

# The International Cross-Border Traders Association has warned of economic sabotage as protests in Mozambique force the closure of the Lebombo border post. The Border Management Authority suspended operations due to sporadic post-election violence. Travellers are urged to use the Mananga border post in Eswatini. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, ICTA’s Dennis Juru highlights disruptions to freight and tourism and calls for Southern Africa Development Community intervention through dialogue:

# Public Works minister Dean Macpherson is launching an independent investigation into the Independent Development Trust over governance issues. This is tied to a 836-million-rand tender to the pressure swing adsorption oxygen plant. Allegations of corruption emerged after contracts were awarded to companies lacking required registration with the Health Products Regulatory Authority. Macpherson vowed accountability and collaboration with Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi to protect public funds and ensure access to critical healthcare resources. He says the investigation aims to restore trust and governance integrity.

# The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation spent 16.6-million-rand over the last five years supporting nine festivals featuring international artists. The DA has argued that while hosting international acts is fine, public funds should prioritise supporting local artists and grassroots initiatives. They believe this money could better support local talent, many of whom struggle financially. The party wants a balanced approach that involves both hosting international acts and developing homegrown performers and athletes.

# Rugby: The CEO of Australia’s governing body, Phil Waugh, says they need to set ambitious goals if they are to take the sport to the next level. Rugby Australia has released its strategy for 2025 to ’29. The country is set to host the British and Irish Lions tour next year, a home men’s World Cup in ’27 and the women’s tournament in ’29. Waugh says sudden turnarounds can be achieved in their quest to become the top rugby-playing nation in the world by 2029:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-85-cents and the euro at 18-rand-80-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-78-cents and Bitcoin trades at 97-thousand-671-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-672-dollars-20-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-47-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….