News 18:00

BULLETIN 13 October 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Presidency clarifies a video of Ramaphosa outside Maumela’s mansion in Sandhurst
# Trump praises the US and Israel’s partnership and celebrates the return of Israeli hostages
# And cricket: The Proteas Women chase a winning target of 233 against Bangladesh in the World Cup

# The Presidency has dismissed claims that president Cyril Ramaphosa visited businessman Hangwani Maumela’s three-story Sandhurst mansion in Sandton, Johannesburg. This follows a viral video showing Ramaphosa outside the property, which was recently raided by the Special Investigating Unit. Maumela is under investigation for an 820-million-rand Tembisa Hospital tender scandal. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told the media the footage was taken during a casual walk in 2023 and was not an official visit:

# New research from the Bureau for Economic Research and the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy suggests South Africa does not need to panic over the 30-percent US tariff hike. While around 20-percent of firms are affected, only a small fraction face major revenue loss. Most major industries, including poultry, maize, cattle, milk, and potatoes, have limited exposure to the US market. Some sectors, like wine and citrus, may see revenue losses with Western Cape farms potentially facing up to a 32-percent reduction in net income.

# US president Donald Trump has hailed the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel, saying the two nations have confronted evil together. Speaking in Jerusalem, he praised the successful return of the last Israeli hostages. Trump says Israel and America have stood together through victory and hardship, pledging a future of peace, cooperation, and prosperity across the Middle East. He emphasised that Israel will live and thrive forever:

# Cricket: The Proteas Women chase a winning target of 233 in their World Cup match against Bangladesh in Visakhapatnam, India. Bangladesh started slowly after winning the toss and electing to bat, but eventually increased the tempo to reach 232 for six in their 50 overs. Sharmin Akhter contributed 50 and Shorna Akter an undefeated 51, while Nonkululeko Mlaba took two wickets. South Africa is currently fourth on the log after their first three matches, and Bangladesh sixth.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-33-cents and the euro at 20-rand-1-cent. One British pound costs 23-rand-10-cents and Bitcoin trades at 114-thousand-823-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-95-dollars-98-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-33-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Public protector Kholeka Gcaleka has opened her office’s 30-year anniversary international conference in Cape Town. The four-day event celebrates the institution’s role in strengthening South Africa’s democracy since 1995. Gcaleka urged delegates to reflect on protecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, and preserving constitutional values. She paid tribute to past public protectors and staff for their resilience, integrity, and commitment to justice during challenging times:

Stay tuned for more news………….