News 18:00

BULLETIN 9 October 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africa welcomes the first phase of the Israel-Hamas peace plan
# The Joburg Indaba opens with calls for policy certainty and a renewed purpose in mining
# And cricket: The Proteas Women chase 252 in the World Cup match against India

# The Department of International Relations and Cooperation welcomes the first phase of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, calling it a step towards ending the war in Gaza. The government has urged all parties to commit to the agreed political process and allow immediate humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. Ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri also commends the release of hostages and political prisoners, calling for an end to the occupation and a permanent ceasefire:

# A suspect wanted for the murder of IFP deputy chief whip, Khethamabala Sithole, was fatally shot by police in Duduza, Ekurhuleni this morning. Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says officials traced Zamani Ximba to a hiding place, where he pointed what appeared to be a firearm at them. Police opened fire, later discovering it was a replica gun. Masondo confirmed two other suspects will appear in court on 20 November:

# Mining leaders say partnerships and collaboration are key to growing South Africa’s mining industry. Speaking at the 13th annual Joburg Indaba in Sandton, Johannesburg, the indaba’s chairperson, Bernard Swanepoel, called for a renewed sense of purpose in addressing the sector’s challenges. Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad warned that policy uncertainty and weak exploration support have left South Africa under-explored for two decades. Executives from Implats, Sibanye-Stillwater, and Valterra Platinum agreed that greater collaboration and policy alignment are essential to unlock investment and growth in the sector.

# Cricket: South Africa is chasing a winning target of 252 in their Womens’ World Cup group match against co-hostess India in Visakhapatnam. Chloé Tryon was the pick of the Protea bowlers, claiming three wickets for only 32 runs in her ten overs. Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba all took two wickets. Richa Ghosh posted the highest score for a number nine batter in a World Cup, scoring 94 before succumbing to De Klerk. The last wicket fell from the penultimate ball.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-16-cents and the euro at 19-rand-88-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-89-cents and Bitcoin trades at 121-thousand-813-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-10-dollars-84-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-77-cents a barrel.

# And finally: This month, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute is celebrating the growing number of South African restaurants choosing to serve cage-free eggs. Tomorrow is World Egg Day, while next Thursday will mark World Food Day. SAFCEI’s Mmathapelo Mosekedi says restaurants, including Giovanni’s, the Coffee Guy Noordehoek, the Farm Shack, Bootlegger and Meraki Coffee House, have committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs to serve their customers, contributing to a more just food system:

Stay tuned for more news………….