News 15:00

BULLETIN 27 December 3pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# ATM urges government to establishment temporary refugee stations along the Mozambican border

# China slaps sanctions on another seven US companies in response to military aid to Taiwan

# And rugby: Kolisi is back to captain the Sharks against the Stormers

# The ATM is urging the establishment of temporary stations along the South African-Mozambican border, ready to assist Mozambicans seeking refuge from the violence. The ATM’s spokesperson, Zama Ntshona, says these stations should be equipped to register and accommodate those fleeing the unrest, ensuring that they receive the necessary support during this tumultuous time, with the Army, police, and Border Control enhancing security efforts at the border:

# The Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has dispatched the District Disaster Management team as inclement weather caused flooding in some parts of the province. The department’s spokesperson, Zimasa Mbewu, says residents are advised to follow safety measures as these weather conditions pose significant risks to human life:

# Virgin Atlantic may introduce daily year-round flights between Cape Town and London-Heathrow in 2027. Currently, flights operate seasonally for six months. CEO Shai Weiss notes increased demand from Cape Town’s growing business sector, including semigration and innovation, could make year-round flights viable. He says as the British airline celebrates 20 years of Cape Town flights, it will continue to support job creation, economic growth, and agricultural exports including transporting fresh produce like blueberries to the United Kingdom.

# China slapped sanctions on seven US companies after Washington’s approval of a military aid package to Taiwan last week. China says Washington’s actions interfere in China’s internal affairs, and undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Beijing will freeze the Chinese assets of US defence companies Insitu, Hudson Technologies, Saronic Technologies, Aerkomm and Oceaneering International, as well as Raytheon’s Canadian and Australian subsidiaries. China’s announcement follows sanctions declared earlier this month against 13 US firms for selling arms to Taiwan.

# Rugby: The Sharks team to play the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship match in Cape Town tomorrow has been bolstered by the return of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who will lead the team. Hooker Dylan Richardson and lock Emile van Heerden have also been passed fit after missing the Bulls match. Ethan Hooker shifts from centre to wing in the absence of Makazole Mapimpi, with the exciting Jurenzo Julius getting a start at centre. The Sharks have never beaten the Stormers in the competition in Cape Town.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-73-cents and the euro at 19-rand-53-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-50-cents and Bitcoin trades at 96-thousand-464. Gold sells at two-thousand-626-dollars-85-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-43-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….