News 18:00

BULLETIN 17 September 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Presidency embraces E-government for improved service delivery in the government of national unity
# Parliament’s Justice Portfolio Committee opens applications for the deputy public protector post
# And Rugby: The Boks make ten changes to the starting team facing Argentina

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans for the Presidency to embrace digital technology to enhance service delivery through e-government. Speaking to his staff members while hosting the Long Serving Awards, Ramaphosa highlighted the growing role of technology in South Africa. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to the government of national unity’s statement of intent, ensuring better coordination and efficiency:

# Parliament’s Justice Portfolio Committee has opened applications to fill the vacant deputy public protector position, nearly a year after Kholeka Gcaleka’s promotion. The previous appointment process was halted due to former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s involvement, raising legal concerns. Interested candidates can apply by 10 October 2024. The committee’s chairperson Xola Nqola says the process must be concluded by the end of November. The final appointment will be announced by president Cyril Ramaphosa after the National Assembly’s recommendations.

# The DA in Gauteng has revealed that the provincial Education Department has spent more than 186-million-rand over five years on management handling fees for Early Childhood Development. The management handling fee covers warehouse and distribution expenditures. The DA’s, Michael Waters, says the department should instead be using the funds to directly benefit children in schools:

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes to his starting team for their penultimate Rugby Championship clash against Argentina on Saturday. Lock Salmaan Moerat captains a new-look team. Ox Nche, Ruan Nortjé, Jasper Wiese, Handré Pollard and Jesse Kriel are the only players who also started against New Zealand in Cape Town. Lukhanyo Am and Malcolm Marx are moved from the bench to a starting position. Aphelele Fassi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Makazole Mapimpi, Cobus Reinach, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden and Thomas du Toit return to the starting line-up.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-62-cents and the euro at 19-rand-61-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-26-cents and Bitcoin trades at 59-thousand-726-dollars-11-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-580-dollars-88-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-33-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Amazon has told its office workers from 2 January next year they may no longer work from home except in extenuating circumstances. Amazon chief executive, Andy Jassy said those situations included when staff or their children were sick, house emergencies, travelling for work or coding in a more isolated environment. Some staff who had been given exceptional permission to work remotely will remain able to do so. Jassy says learning, working together, generating ideas and strengthening company culture is simpler and more effective in the office, while teams are better connected.

Stay tuned for more news………….