News 17:00

BULLETIN 14 January 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Miner support group criticises minister Gwede Mantashe’s Stilfontein visit as an attention-grabbing event
# Home Affairs unveils 65 tour operators that are selected to attract visitors from China and India
# And Tennis: Teenager causes the biggest upset at the Australian Open so far

# Mining Affected Communities United in Action has dismissed Mineral Resources minister Gwede Mantashe’s visit to Stilfontein as a publicity effort. This follows calls for relief and a rescue operation after a mining catastrophe that has left illegal miners trapped underground. Over 100 dead bodies are reportedly underground. General Industries Workers’ Union of South Africa president, Mametlwe Sebei, has labeled the situation a tragic disaster:

# The Department of Home Affairs has selected 65 tour operators for its trusted tour operator scheme, aiming to boost tourism from China and India. By streamlining visa processes, the programme seeks to attract more visitors, create jobs, and drive economic growth. Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber expressed optimism, saying the initiative will position South Africa as a top destination for these key markets as the programme gains momentum:

# The Automobile Association urges consumers to consider pre-purchase inspections when buying used vehicles. The association says a thorough inspection helps ensure the car is mechanically sound and roadworthy, reducing the risk of unexpected repairs and costs after purchase. According to AA spokesperson Eleanor Mavimbela, many buyers overlook the importance of an independent inspection, which can identify hidden issues that may not be visible during a test drive. This process provides crucial insight into the car’s condition, helping buyers make informed decisions.

# Tennis: Fearless teenage qualifier Joao Fonseca beat ninth seed Andrey Rublev on his Grand Slam debut in the biggest shock of the Australian Open so far. Roared on in Melbourne by Brazilian fans decked out in yellow, the prodigious 18-year-old appeared totally unfazed as he stunned the Russian 7-6, 6-3 and 7-6. Fonseca last month became the second-youngest champion of the NextGen ATP tournament since current world number one Jannik Sinner claimed the title, also aged 18, five years ago.

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-94-cents and the euro at 19-rand-40-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-3-cents and Bitcoin trades at 95-thousand-928-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-667-dollars-71-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 79-dollars-62-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Norway’s 87-year-old Queen Sonja will be fitted with a pacemaker this week after recently suffering from arrhythmia. The queen was briefly hospitalised in Lillehammer in southeastern Norway at the weekend after suffering from an irregular heartbeat while cross-country skiing. The palace says the insertion of a pacemaker, a procedure that will take place on Thursday, is a result of that incident. Sonja’s husband King Harald, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch at 87, was also fitted with a pacemaker in March.

Stay tuned for more news………….