News 15:00

BULLETIN 9 September 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA condemns Ramaphosa over the Defence Force chief’s visit to Iran
# Soccer: Bafana Bafana must beat Nigeria in case FIFA docks points
# And International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day urges alcohol abstinence during pregnancy

# The DA criticised president Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to clear Defence Force chief Rudzani Maphwanya after his political visit to Iran, which violated the military’s apolitical code. The DA’s Chris Hattingh says the president failed to hold the general accountable, undermining the SANDF’s credibility, national security, and South Africa’s international standing. Hattingh says this sets a dangerous precedent, eroding trust in military neutrality and government accountability:

# Energy regulator Nersa has confirmed a four-percent increase in Sasol Gas’s maximum price for the 2025/26 financial year. The adjustment, effective from next month to December, raises the maximum price from 87-rand-four-cents to 90-rand-57-cents per gigajoule, mainly because of the higher cost of gas from Mozambique, oil prices, exchange rates, and the US price index. Nersa’s Charles Hlebela says this does not mean customers will pay the full increase, as Sasol Gas should charge below the maximum.

Moving abroad: 

# Nepal’s veteran prime minister, KP Sharma Oli, resigned today after youth protesters demanded he quit, a day after one of the deadliest crackdowns in years in which at least 19 people were killed. The protests, which began yesterday with demands that the government lifts a ban on social media and tackles corruption, reignited despite the apps going back online. Protesters today attacked and set fire to the house of 73-year-old Oli, leader of the Communist Party.

# Soccer: Bafana Bafana will host Nigeria in Bloemfontein today, knowing that a victory will ensure direct qualification for next year’s World Cup – assuming there are no points deductions. FIFA is yet to rule on whether South Africa will be docked three points for fielding the suspended Teboho Mokoena in the 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March. Bafana lead Group C with 16 points, with Benin second and Nigeria third. Captain Ronwen Williams says they are focused on the game:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-46-cents and the euro at 20-rand-51-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-69-cents and Bitcoin trades at 112-thousand-687-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-653-dollars-20-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-36-cents a barrel.

# And finally: International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day is raising awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. Alcohol consumed by mothers passes directly to the fetus and could cause irreversible physical, intellectual, and behavioural harm. Experts stress this disorder, including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, is entirely preventable by avoiding alcohol throughout pregnancy. Healthcare professionals urge complete abstinence for anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy and encourage those struggling with alcohol dependency to seek support.

Stay tuned for more news………….