News 16:00

BULLETIN 2 November 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The IEC reports a positive start to special voting, with nearly 99-percent of stations opening on time
# Investments exceeding 548-billion-rand are pledged for South Africa’s special economic zones
# And cricket: Cummins hints at a Test team shake-up following the series defeat to the Proteas

# The Electoral Commission says the first day of special voting for Wednesday’s local government elections has got off to a positive start, with nearly 99-percent of voting stations opening on time. It says voting has been smooth in most areas, although some stations in Cape Town experienced delays. Deputy CEO Masego Sheburi spoke to the media and urged voters to check their voting details before leaving home:

The South African Weather Service has meanwhile cautioned voters isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected across several parts of the country today and tomorrow. Gauteng voters are being warned of possible afternoon thunderstorms on Wednesday, which could disrupt voting through heavy rain and lightning. Cape Town can expect afternoon sunshine, while Durban faces warm, humid conditions and possible coastal showers. Voters are urged to check weather forecasts and prepare for changing conditions, including extreme heat and rain, when visiting polling stations.

# Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau says 141 companies have pledged investments exceeding 548-billion-rand in South Africa’s special economic zones, potentially creating more than 60-thousand permanent jobs. Speaking in Steelpoort, Limpopo, Tau highlighted the Fetakgomo-Tubatse zone, which has attracted planned investments of 52.6-billion-rand. The projects could generate 20-thousand jobs over the next decade. Tau says government wants to expand local mineral processing and manufacturing to boost industrial development and economic growth.

# AgriSA says South African farmers need fairer agricultural pricing and greater support as they face rising costs and shrinking profit margins. The organisation supports Grain SA’s concerns over soybean pricing and its impact on producers. It urges the Johannesburg Stock Exchange to review pricing arrangements to ensure they reflect actual market conditions. AgriSA’s president, Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt, calls for urgent talks to protect farmers and support the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.

# Cricket: Australian captain Pat Cummins has admitted changes are needed after his side lost the Test series against South Africa 2-1, and the number one ranking. Chasing a target of 288, Australia were bowled out for 111 on day five to suffer a 176-run defeat in the deciding Test in Cape Town. This marked Australia’s third loss in their past five Tests. Cummins acknowledges selection discussions are inevitable before next month’s series against New Zealand:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-64-cents and the euro at 18-rand-65-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-33-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-901-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-903-dollars-15-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 113-dollars-19-sents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….