News 18:00

BULLETIN 21 November 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# An analyst emphasises President Ramaphosa is right to reject US downgrade on G20 Presidency handover
# Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa says gender-based violence and femicide is a national crisis, not just a women’s issue
# And, the DA pushes for accountability to fight gender-based violence

# The University of Johannesburg’s Oscar van Heerden says President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear South Africa will not be undermined after the US opted to send a low-level delegation to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. Ramaphosa refused to hand over the G20 Presidency to a chargé d’affaires, traditionally the lowest-ranking mission head. Van Heerden says the handover is a high-level ceremony, warning that bilateral tensions might escalate:

# Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, says gender-based violence and femicide is a national crisis, not just a women’s issue, as it is now officially classified as a national disaster. The national executive will lead the response, while government, communities, with the private sector strengthening prevention and support systems. Ministry spokesperson Pearl Maseko-Binqose says key actions include the 90-Day GBVF acceleration programme, more care centres, and stronger sexual offences courts:

In addition, the DA has has called on Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to conduct lifestyle audits of all senior SAPS leaders urgently. The party’s Lisa Schickerling says corruption at the top diverts resources from frontline services, including Family Violence and Child Protection units. Schickerling says lifestyle audits would uncover unexplained wealth, ensure accountability, and restore integrity:

# The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association says the shebeen permit crisis has gone on too long. According to the association, thousands of township traders are still stuck with temporary permits, eight years after the High Court in Johannesburg ordered proper licences. They want the government to urgently fix the system so township traders can operate legally and safely. The association’s Jongikhaya Kraai says delays, confusing rules, and strict zoning are blocking businesses, putting jobs at risk:

# Motorsport: Cadillac, who will join Formula One next year, has set out clear targets for its debut season. Team principal Graeme Lowdon says they will focus on execution and development rather than headline results, saying it was impossible to set realistic championship targets at this stage. Sergio Perez of Mexico and Valtteri Bottas of Finland will drive for Cadillac. Lowdon says he realises how difficult F1 is, saying they can’t just jump in and compete with teams that have done this for years.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-38-cents and the euro at 20-rand-1-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-73-cents and Bitcoin trades at 83-thousand-576-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-74-dollars-73-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 61-dollars-82-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….