News 16:00

BULLETIN 17 February 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africans are warned of possible increased pork prices amid foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks
# AfriForum objects to Graaff-Reinet’s name change
# And cricket: A former Protea plays for Italy in the World Cup even though he has never been to the country

# South Africans are being warned to expect higher pork prices as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever tighten supply. Industry data shows weekly pig slaughter numbers have declined. Consumers are likely to pay more for chops, bacon and sausages with wholesale prices up from about 32- to 40-rand-per-kilogram. Speaking to SABC News, FNB Agricultural Economists, Paul Makube, says January inflation figures already reflect double-digit increases in some pork products:

Meanwhile, the Azanian People’s Organisation has questioned the government’s handling of the disease, recently declared a national disaster. AZAPO says authorities underestimate the economic impact on farmers, particularly in townships and rural areas. The party has raised concern over limited access to information and vaccines, warning against private procurement. It has called on the Department of Agriculture to intensify public education, enforce livestock controls and ensure fair vaccine distribution nationwide.

# AfriForum has formally objected to the renaming of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape to Robert Sobukwe Town, following a notice by Sport, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie. The organisation argues the town’s 240-year-old name holds significant historical value and says most residents oppose the change. AfriForum’s Alana Bailey warns the move could harm tourism and social cohesion, urging McKenzie to withdraw the decision within the prescribed 30-day objection period:

# AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has announced the removal of Mandla Mandela as chief of Mvezo, citing political differences over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The declaration made in Mthatha has sparked tensions in the Eastern Cape. The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa has called for calm, saying proper customary and legal processes must be followed to remove a chief. The grandson of former president Nelson Mandela and ANC Member of Parliament has strongly supported Palestine, while king Dalindyebo has voiced backing for Israel.

# Cricket: South African-born allrounder JJ Smuts says despite never having been in Italy, he already has some understanding of the Italian psyche. The 37-year-old plays for the European country in the T20 World Cup after representing the Proteas in some white-ball matches between 2017 and 2020. Smuts qualified for Italy through his wife Judi Castignani’s heritage. Italy won their first-ever World Cup match against Nepal last week, but lost to England and Scotland. Their last group match is against the West Indies on Thursday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-3-cents and the euro at 18-rand-97-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-74-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-49-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-939-dollars-78-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-26-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….