News 18:00

BULLETIN 4 November 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC pledges accelerated service delivery and stronger action against corruption
# Former president Kgalema Motlanthe describes the United States as a declining empire
# And rugby, the Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg embraces the competition within the squad

# The ANC has pledged to accelerate service delivery and strengthen efforts to combat corruption after the local government elections, citing ethical leadership and accountable governance remain key priorities. The party also highlighted the Madlanga commission as an important step towards rooting out corruption in government, the private sector and political structures. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says the party wants municipalities led by ethical individuals who are committed to addressing the needs of communities: 

# Former president Kgalema Motlanthe has described the US as a declining empire under unpredictable leadership. Speaking after voting at Killarney Country Club, Motlanthe commented on Washington’s exclusion of South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act. He said the US has the right to decide which countries access its markets, without necessarily providing substantial reasons. Motlanthe also argued that president Donald Trump reflects the decline of American imperial power:

# The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has welcomed the appointment of six new members to the Competition Tribunal for five-year terms. The appointments include three full-time and three part-time members, bringing additional legal, economic and regulatory expertise. Minister Parks Tau says the appointments will strengthen the tribunal’s ability to handle competition-related cases efficiently. He says the move will also promote fair and inclusive markets, provide greater certainty for businesses and protect consumer interests.

# The United States and Iran remain far apart on a deal to end their eight-month war, despite renewed diplomatic efforts. A senior Iranian official says Tehran’s conditions must be met before the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened and nuclear negotiations begin. These include lifting oil sanctions, ending the US naval blockade and releasing frozen Iranian funds. Qatar is stepping up mediation efforts, with both sides reviewing proposals. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has declined to rule out a resumption of combat operations after the mid-term elections.

# Rugby: Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg is grateful for the faith shown in him despite competition from the likes of Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams. The 29-year-old, who scored six tries in just ten Tests, will be Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s halfback partner in Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Italy in Turin. Van den Berg says the pressure to earn a spot in the team and how the system is structured makes a player better:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-44-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-52-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-18-cents and Bitcoin trades at 78-thousand-240-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-46-dollars-35-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 104-dollars-41-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….