News 15:00

BULLETIN 2 October 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC reaffirms its commitment to renewal, service delivery, accountability and honouring OR Tambo
# Minister Parks Tau highlights the auto industry’s role in South Africa’s economy
# And rugby: Injuries force six changes to the All Blacks’ starting-15 for the Test against the Wallabies

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the party is reaffirming its commitment to renewal, service delivery and accountability while honouring the legacy of former leader Oliver Tambo. Briefing the media on the outcomes of the national working committee meeting, Mbalula highlighted progress in municipalities such as Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni in Gauteng, and eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal, where improvements in roads, water and electricity are being felt. Mbalula says the ANC’s renewal must be seen in real change on the ground:

# Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau says the automotive sector remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy. Speaking at the South African Auto Week, he noted the industry contributed 5.2-percent to GDP and 22.6-percent of the manufacturing output in 2024 with exports topping 268.8-billion-rand to 155 markets. Tau says despite global headwinds, partnerships with countries like Saudi Arabia and Algeria could unlock new opportunities in component manufacturing:

# Mpumalanga’s government has launched a two-day investment and mining conference to boost the economy, job creation, and renewable energy projects. Premier Mandla Ndlovu says the province aims to secure at least 50-billion-rand in pledges, with major companies expected to explore long-term investment opportunities. Known for coal, mining, tourism, and steel, Ndlovu says Mpumalanga now seeks to diversify into renewable energy while driving growth and employment:

# The South African Spaza Shops Association Young Traders is deeply concerned about the ongoing marginalisation of young entrepreneurs within the township and informal business sectors. The association’s president, Kgothatso Ramautswa, says it is calling upon the government to open up buildings owned by the state for leasing to young traders, as a means to foster economic empowerment and inclusive growth:

# Rugby: Injuries forced All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson to make six changes to his starting team for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies in Perth. Among the changes are Damian McKenzie, who replaces Beauden Barrett at flyhalf, Leicester Fainga-anuku on the left wing in place of Caleb Clarke, and prop Tamaita Williams playing in Ethan de Groot’s absence. New Zealand has already retained the Bledisloe Cup by beating Australia in Auckland last week, but can still prevent the Springboks from clinching back-to-back titles.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-18-cents and the euro at 20-rand-20-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-16-cents and Bitcoin trades at 118-thousand-759-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-884-dollars-49-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-90-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….