News 18:00

BULLETIN 15 November 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa will tonight address the nation on the foodborne illness crisis
# AfriForum says sewage pollution in the Vaal River is a threat to Gauteng’s water security
# And rugby: A blockbuster Test weekend awaits fans

# President Cyril Ramaphosa will tonight address the nation regarding government’s response to the ongoing foodborne illness crisis. Over the past two months, several children have died from food contamination, with many of them falling ill after consuming snacks from spaza shops. Government has classified the issue as a national security threat, with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure leading efforts to tackle the crisis. The situation has sparked widespread criticism, particularly regarding the decision to suspend food sales around schools. 

The president has also deployed over a thousand soldiers to support police in tackling illegal mining and related crimes, despite funding challenges. According to News24, the Defence Force’s financial constraints required reallocating resources to proceed with the operation. The deployment, part of Operation Prosper, will span five months and focus on affected provinces including Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North West, addressing the high level of illicit mining activities.

# AfriForum has warned that sewage pollution in the Vaal River catchment threatens Gauteng’s water security, the environment, and public health. The group calls for urgent action to hold municipalities accountable. AfriForum’s Marais de Vaal says poor wastewater treatment plants upstream of the Vaal are largely to blame. He reiterated that transparency must be a core component to address the crisis:

# Rugby: Another blockbuster Test weekend awaits fans. Ireland and Argentina will open the proceedings in Dublin this evening, and tomorrow Japan and Uruguay will do battle in Chambéry in France, while Spain will face Fiji  in Valladolid. Then Scotland will welcome Portugal to Murrayfield, followed by two epic clashes: South Africa against England at Twickenham, and France and the All Blacks in Paris. On Sunday, Italy and Georgia will take to the field in Genoa, whereafter Wales and Australia will take on each other in Cardiff.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-16-cents and the euro at 19-rand-17-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-96-cents and Bitcoin trades at 89-thousand-809-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-570-dollars-52-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-60-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The National Sea Rescue Institute is urging caution as the full moon spring tide peaks today. This may result in stronger sea currents, posing hazards for bathers, boaters, paddlers, sailors, and anglers. The institute warns that coastal hiking trails could be cut off during high tide, and waves may engulf certain fishing spots. NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon also advised inland water users to exercise caution:

Stay tuned for more news………….