News 18:00
BULLETIN 7 September 6 pm
Good afternoon. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Minister David Maynier urges South Africans to explore the national parks during parks week
# Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre wardens face possible suspension after a prison escape
# And, rugby: Ethan Hooker says it’s a privilege to face the All Blacks four times in a row
# South Africa’s 21st annual national parks week is underway from 7 to 13 September. South Africans can get free day access to participating national parks during the week. The offer includes parks such as Kruger National Park in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the West Coast in the Western Cape and Augrabies Falls in the Northern Cape. Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment minister David Maynier says accommodation, game drives and other paid services are excluded:
# The Department of Correctional Services has launched a manhunt for an inmate who escaped from Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre near Mahikeng in North West. Edward Khomotso Madiba reportedly cut through a cell door to escape yesterday. The department’s Singabakho Nxumalo says eight officials face possible suspension as an investigation into the escape continues. Nxumalo appeals for any information that could help locate the escapee:
# The City of Cape Town is stepping up efforts to prevent foetal alcohol spectrum disorder by educating young people about the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse during pregnancy. Mayoral committee member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, says the city’s driving my future programme reached more than three-thousand-500 learners in the past year and has helped improve their understanding of the disorder and its impact on children:
# Iran will announce a new restricted zone in the Gulf in the coming days amid rising tensions with the US over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Security chief Mohsen Rezaei says ships entering the new zone would face sanctions. Iran also plans to publish maps for a new international shipping corridor through the strait, which it would manage with Oman. Tehran says the waterway will only remain open while the US stops attacks and threats against Iran. The latest move has pushed oil prices higher.
# Rugby: Man of the match in the third Test between South Africa and the All Blacks, Springbok centre Ethan Hooker, expects neutral support in this coming weekend’s fourth and final match in Baltimore in the US. He says the Boks are going all out to clinch the series after taking a 2-1 lead in Johannesburg. Hooker says the series is mentally and physically tough, but they are honoured to face such a prestigious team four times in a row. Coach Rassie Erasmus will name his team tonight.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-98-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-59-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-64-cents and Bitcoin trades at 79-thousand-76-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-405-dollars-29-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 99-dollars-33-cents a barrel.