News 16:00

BULLETIN 7 October 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the human settlements sector is faced with a myriad of challenges
# The DA criticises an Eastern Cape CEO’s 574-thousand-rand hotel stay amid the budget crisis
# And basketball: LeBron and Bronny James make NBA history

# Human Settlements minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the sector is faced with a myriad of challenges, which include climate change, population growth, low economic growth, urbanisation, and governance instability at local government level. Kubayi was speaking during the World Habitat Day celebration and launch of the Human Settlements Research Strategy. She says many villages are facing a series of problems such as depopulation, population ageing and insufficient infrastructure:

# The DA has condemned the Eastern Cape Health Department for spending over 574-thousand-rand on hotel accommodation for Zithulele Hospital CEO, Nolubabalo Fatyela. The DA’s Karl le Roux highlighted this money was spent, despite the department’s budget crisis. He says the DA plans to call for a Public Service Commission investigation into the matter, demanding accountability and disciplinary action for irregular and wasteful spending:

# The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa has praised the appointment of a new board for South African Tourism. National director Rosemary Anderson says the board representation is crucial for developing effective tourism strategies and economic growth. Anderson emphasised to eNCA that the board’s understanding of industry challenges and opportunities will help shape policies benefiting the entire tourism ecosystem:

# The Department of Employment and Labour has raised the budget for the temporary employer-employee relief scheme from 400-million-rand to 2.4-billion-rand. This funding aims to prevent layoffs and support struggling companies. Minister Nomakhosazana Meth encouraged businesses facing financial difficulties to apply for TERS, which offers salary support for up to 12-months. The increase responds to significant job losses in sectors like mining, manufacturing, and telecommunications.  

# Basketball:  LeBron and Bronny James made NBA history by becoming the first father-son duo to play together on the same team during the Los Angeles Lakers’ pre-season game against the Phoenix Suns. A father and son have never played together in any type of NBA game at the same time. Bronny joined the Lakers as a second-round draft pick from the University of Southern California in June. LeBron is the NBA’s all-time record point-scorer and a four-time NBA winner. The 39-year-old is entering his 22nd season in the NBA.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-39-cents and the euro at 19-rand-10-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-75-cents and Bitcoin trades at 63-thousand-36-dollars-4-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-657-dollars-12-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 79-dollars-33-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….