News 15:00

BULLETIN 27 January 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Senona denies cartel infiltration in KwaZulu-Natal’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation
# The rail industry fast-tracks its localisation drive through skills development
# And rugby: Erasmus is not sure if Tony Brown will stay with the Boks beyond 2027

# KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona has rejected claims of cartel infiltration within the provincial Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. Testifying at the Madlanga commission, Senona insisted investigations rely on strict secrecy and sworn confidentiality. He says he has no knowledge of any “Big Five” cartel operating in the unit, adding that no intelligence reports have indicated infiltration. He told commissioners some corruption cases are still under investigation:

# The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has called for an urgent meeting of all parties in the government of provincial unity following the National Freedom Party’s decision to exit the arrangement. The party says disputes must be resolved to protect the coalition with the NFP, the Inkatha Freedom Party, and the ANC. The DA’s Dean MacPherson says the GPU remains the best vehicle for growth and jobs. All four parties are set to meet in Durban next weekend to chart a way forward.

# The Africa Rail Industry Association has accelerated its localisation programme, placing strong emphasis on skills development. CEO Mesela Nhlapo says the programme is dependent on people, including trained technicians, artisans and engineers, warning that procurement alone cannot fix rail challenges. Nhlapo says building a skills pipeline is vital for safety, fleet readiness and operations, while reducing youth unemployment. She emphasises the programme aligns with the National Skills Development Plan 2030 to support rail recovery and long-term economic growth.

# The End User Subscriber Charter Committee has welcomed the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s enhanced rollover regulations taking effect as from 23 January next year. Chairperson Catherine Mushi says the updated rules will ensure unused data, voice, and SMS bundles roll over automatically at no extra cost. Out-of-bundle charges require customer consent, helping curb bill shock. Mushi confirmed to Newzroom Afrika mobile networks must update their systems within 12 months:

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has admitted he is unsure whether attacking coach Tony Brown will stay with the team beyond next year’s World Cup in Australia. Brown has been linked to a return to his native New Zealand since the departure of Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach last month. Erasmus says he made sure to have all of his coaching staff committed to the Boks for four years after losing the services of Jacques Nienaber to Leinster. He adds Brown remains committed to the team.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-2-cents and the euro at 19-rand-4-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-96-cents and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-747-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-and-86-dollars-49-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-97-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….