News 15:00

BULLETIN 22 January 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA calls on minister Gwede Mantashe to name the petrol stations in the Western Cape selling fake diesel 
# Minister Senzo Mchunu urges unity in the water sector for public service prioritisation
# And soccer: The injured Mo Salah backs his teammates as they encounter Cape Verde in AFCON 

# The DA in the Western Cape is calling on Mineral Resources and Energy minister Gwede Mantashe to name the petrol stations selling watered-down diesel, mixed with illuminated paraffin, in the province. An investigation by the department has uncovered that 70 petrol stations across the country are selling dodgy diesel fuel to customers. The DA’s Derrick America says this alarming discovery poses a serious threat to vehicle engines, potentially causing significant mechanical problems:

# Water and Sanitation minister Senzo Mchunu calls on the water sector to prioritise professionalism over ego, to ensure clean drinking water, a basic human right. This follows after last week’s Water Services Authorities summit addressed challenges, including the decline in water quality. Mchunu stresses the importance of immediate action and introduces recommendations such as the establishment of dedicated entities and the appointment of reputable service providers. He says by addressing these challenges collaboratively, the water sector aims to bring about positive change and meet fundamental rights.

# The Independent Electoral Commission has announced South Africans living abroad can register to vote from 26 to 28 January ahead of the upcoming general elections. IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya highlights the ease of electronic registration, compared to previous years. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Moepya explained with over 600 parties expected on the ballot papers, the registration period aims to ensure broad participation in the highly contested elections:

# Uganda has assumed the chairmanship of the Group of 77 plus China, taking over from Cuba during the third South Summit at Speke Resort Convention Centre. President Yoweri Museveni will lead this significant negotiating bloc of developing nations at the United Nations next year enabling them to address their needs and promote collective economic interests. He emphasises the importance of leaving no one behind, urging the international community to provide targeted support to countries facing challenges without conditions.

# Soccer: Injured Egyptian captain Mo Salah has expressed confidence in his team’s quest for victory against Cape Verde in today’s Africa Cup of Nations match in Ivory Coast. He will miss the game due to a muscle strain suffered in Egypt’s previous fixture against Ghana last week. If Egypt qualifies for the knockout phase, Salah is expected to remain sidelined for the subsequent match: 

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-12-cents and the euro at 20-rand-81-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-30-cents and Bitcoin trades at 40-thousand-819-dollars-85-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-23-dollars-25-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-71-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….