News 15:00

BULLETIN 2 December 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Motorists brace for another fuel price blow
# South Africa’s economy records a 0.5-percent growth in the third quarter
# And rugby: The Stormers have three Boks back for the clash with Bayonne

# Motorists face another surge at the pumps as fuel prices are set to rise from tomorrow. The prices of 93 and 95-octane petrol will increase by 29-cents per litre at midnight, diesel will go up by 82-cents and illuminating paraffin by 74-cents, while LP Gas prices will rise by up to 24-cents per kilogram. Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources spokesperson Robert Maake says the increases are driven by international petroleum prices and the rand–US dollar exchange rate:

# Statistics South Africa says the economy grew by 0.5-percent between July and September. Growth came mainly from trade, mining, finance, government services, and agriculture. However, imports grew faster than exports, slowing growth a bit. Households spent more on transport, food and housing, helping push overall spending up by 0.7-percent. Stats SA’s Bokang Vumbukani-Lepolesa says investment also increased, especially in transport equipment:

# The African Rail Industry Association has launched a national localisation campaign to rebuild South Africa’s rail sector, boost domestic manufacturing, and restore confidence in the country’s industrial capabilities. CEO Mesela Nhlapo says by focusing on local manufacturing, from components to complete rail systems, “The Power of Local Begins Here” campaign aims to strengthen economic resilience, expand competitive advantage, and develop technical skills. She urges government, industry, labour, and communities to invest in South Africa’s capability and support the country’s emergence as Africa’s rail manufacturing leader.

# Parliament’s portfolio committee on Trade, Industry and Competition is today interviewing five candidates for the vacant National Lotteries Board chairperson position. The shortlisted candidates are Judy Hermans, Mpho Mosing, Nomazotsho Memani, Thembinkosi Bonakele, and Lufuno Nevondwe. The post opened after Barney Pityana resigned in August, effective this month. The committee will assess each candidate’s suitability and submit recommendations to minister Parks Tau. The process aims to ensure strong leadership and improved oversight of the National Lotteries Commission.

# Rugby: Three Springboks who toured Europe last month are back in the Stormers’ group for Friday’s opening round of the Champions Cup against Bayonne in France. They are forwards Ben-Jason Dixon, Zachary Porthen and Ntutuhuko Mchunu, while three Bok back players – Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse – are still being rested and will only be considered for next weekend’s match against La Rochelle in Gqeberha. The Stormers will face former teammate Herschel Jantjies, who joined Bayonne earlier this year.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-12-cents and the euro at 19-rand-88-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-60-cents and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-362-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-196-dollars-33-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 62-dollars-83-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….