News 17:00

BULLETIN 1 October 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Police raid 26 properties in Cape Town over 1.6-billion-rand tender fraud allegations
# COSATU commends Eskom’s recovery but warns of ongoing challenges
# And rugby: New guidelines will limit elite players to 30 full games a season to protect their health

# Police in Cape Town have raided 26 properties linked to an alleged 1.6-billion-rand tender fraud case. The large-scale operation was led by the Commercial Crime Investigations Unit. The city’s spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo, says police collected documents and electronic evidence to determine the full scope of the alleged corruption:

# 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:

# Cosatu has praised Eskom and government for the utility’s remarkable turnaround, noting its first profit in eight-years and improved power stability. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says this progress boosts the economy after crippling load-shedding. However, Parks warns that Eskom remains vulnerable due to 95-billion-rand municipal debt, cable theft, corruption, and illegal power connections. He urges urgent interventions to secure Eskom’s long-term sustainability and protect jobs:

Moving abroad:

# Global Sumud Flotilla delegates have vowed to remain committed to a peaceful humanitarian mission as they approach Gaza, despite facing aggressive naval activity and intimidation. The delegates called for protection under international law and urged global attention to the unlawful blockade of humanitarian aid and escalating hostilities in the region. Speaking from international waters, South African delegate Zaheera Soomar described attempts to disrupt communications and apply psychological pressure:

# Rugby: New guidelines agreed to by World Rugby that will limit players to 30 full games a season to protect their health, were hailed as a landmark moment for the sport. Under the new regulations, players will be entitled to rest times after international selection and at least a five-week off-season. World Rugby chairperson Brett Robinson says these guidelines are informed by the latest science and expert opinion. The player load guidelines cover the elite men’s and women’s game, with the hope that it well help reduce injuries and concussions.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-17-cents and the euro at 20-rand-19-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-22-cents and Bitcoin trades at 116-thousand-648-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-886-dollars-80-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-18-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….