News 17:00

BULLETIN 17 October 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am…….

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa calls for the urgent reform of the UN Security Council to promote global peace and stability
# The Sport, Arts, and Culture minister defends his business class travel and hotel costs amid controversy
# And soccer: Atletico Madrid won’t sell tickets to season ticket holders for the next five away matches after the crowd’s behaviour

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council, to advance global peace and stability. In his address to the National Assembly, he highlighted that the current structure is outdated and fails to reflect the realities of today’s world. Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s support for the African Common Position, which demands two permanent seats for the continent and the abolishment of the veto power: 

# Sport, Arts, and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie has defended his business class travel and hotel costs, stating he is following the ministerial handbook. He is facing criticism for his 800-thousand-rand trip to the Paris Olympic Games earlier this year. In a media briefing at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, McKenzie called for transparency, insisting that all ministers should face the same public scrutiny regarding travel and accommodation:  

# The DA has filed a Promotion of Access to Information Act application, demanding Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi to release 177 forensic investigation reports. Provincial DA leader Solly Msimanga insists residents have the right to know the outcomes and number of completed reports. He accuses Lesufi of shielding corrupt officials, citing missed deadlines and whistleblower reports. He says the DA will escalate the matter to the Public Protector if the reports are not disclosed.

# Sharpeville residents in Gauteng are demanding control of their township economy following the fatal shooting of a local shopkeeper last night. Heavy police presence remains as residents loot shops owned by foreign nationals, ordering them to stop operations and leave the area. Locals allege foreign businesses are damaging the township’s economy. Authorities are yet to confirm if the shooting is linked to the unrest and the campaign against foreign tuck-shop owners.

# Soccer: Spanish club Atletico Madrid promised not to sell tickets to season ticket holders for its next five away matches after it was penalised by European governing body UEFA and the Spanish federation. The club was fined 577-thousand-rand and given a suspended ban on selling tickets for away games after fans showed racist behaviour during a recent Champions League defeat to Benfica. This followed items being thrown on the pitch during a match against Real Madrid. Atletico says the damage to its image is difficult to repair.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-76-cents and the euro at 19-rand-23-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-8-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-44-dollars-25-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-684-dollars-52-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-1-cent a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….