News 16:00

BULLETIN 1 October 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The NPA welcomes the guilty verdict against Julius Malema in his firearm trial
# OUTA says the Tembisa Hospital was repurposed for looting and not for healthcare
# And cricket: The Women’s World Cup opener sets a new attendance record

# The National Prosecuting Authority has welcomed the guilty verdict against EFF leader Julius Malema in his firearm trial in East London. Malema’s co-accused, former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted. NPA Eastern Cape spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed the matter has been postponed to January to allow the submission of a pre-sentencing report, after which the NPA will advise the court on a fitting sentence:

Meanwhile, Malema has condemned his guilty verdict, describing it as racist. Addressing supporters, Malema said the ruling was meant to appease AfriForum, the DA and the White House. He welcomed Snyman’s acquittal, and vowed to appeal the ruling to the Constitutional Court:

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse says the Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, was repurposed for looting rather than healthcare. This follows after a Special Investigating Unit report revealed syndicates linked to the theft of more than two-billion-rand, with hospital staff and health officials implicated. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage calls for stronger protection for whistleblowers, and a full audit of all Gauteng hospitals:

# South African award-winning writer and cultural activist, Zukiswa Wanner, has called on governments to end the genocide in Gaza. Speaking as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla activists, Wanner says nations must stop funding and arming Israel, urging Turkey, Italy, Spain, and others to turn symbolic gestures into decisive action. Sixteen governments have expressed support for the flotilla’s safe passage to deliver aid to Gaza. Wanner insists on ending the siege and protecting Palestinian lives:

# Cricket: Yesterday’s opening fixture of the Women’s World Cup between hostesses India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati set a new opening day attendance record. The 22-thousand-843 fans were the most who attended a group stage fixture at any Women’s World Cup. The previous record of 15-thousand-935 was set during last year’s Group A clash between India and Pakistan at the T20 World Cup. Hall of Famer Sachin Tendulkar of India says this milestone sends a powerful message that women’s cricket deserves not just applause, but equal respect.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-13-cents and the euro at 20-rand-15-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-16-cents and Bitcoin trades at 116-thousand-854-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-886-dollars-97-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-54-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….