News 18:00

BULLETIN 29 October 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deputy minister Mondli Gungubele calls for stronger collaboration with cybersecurity in Africa
# The Western Cape Education Department prioritises learner safety amid taxi violence
# And, the Hong Kong leader apologises over deadly fire and promises sweeping reforms

# Communications and Digital Technologies deputy minister Mondli Gungubele has called for greater collaboration, innovation and skills development to protect South Africa’s and Africa’s digital economy. Speaking at the Africa Cybersecurity Indaba 2026 in Sandton, Johannesburg, he warned that physical borders alone cannot safeguard national interests in an increasingly digital world. Gungubele says data sovereignty is essential to protecting political and economic independence, while strengthening cybersecurity awareness and continental cooperation.

# The Western Cape Education Department says it’s concerned about the impact of ongoing taxi violence on the safety of learners and teachers, as well as the national senior certificate examinations. The department has contingency plans in place to manage possible disruptions and is working with police and other safety structures to help learners reach examination centres safely. Education MEC Jaco Londt says psychosocial support is also available to affected schools:

# The Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign has called for a National and Pan-African Day of Action tomorrow under the banner, Unite Against Xenophobia – Fight for Jobs, Services and Dignity for All. The aim is to mobilise people across communities to stand together against xenophobia and promote equal access to jobs, services and dignity for all. Campaign spokesperson July Eccles says anger must be directed at the capitalist class and the government of national unity, who hold economic and political power over society, not against African neighbours:

# Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee has apologised for a residential fire that killed 168 people last November, after an independent inquiry found serious failures by government departments and construction companies. The blaze engulfed seven apartment blocks during renovation work in Tai Po. The report found that officials failed to act on fire-safety complaints, while flammable materials helped the flames spread. Housing Secretary Winnie Ho has resigned, taking political responsibility. Lee has promised reforms, including making construction bid-rigging a criminal offence, and a three-month investigation into possible misconduct by officials.

# Motorsport: Mercedes’ driver, Kimi Antonelli, is on the brink of Formula One history in this weekend’s Grand Prix in Mexico City. He only needs to finish ninth to clinch the drivers’ championship and become Italy’s first champion since 1953. Antonelli increased his lead over British teammate George Russell to 123 points when he won last weekend’s US race in Texas. If he wins this Sunday, he will take the title at the age of 20-years and 68-days, bettering German driver Sebastian Vettel’s record by more than three years.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-64-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-53-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-18-cents and Bitcoin trades at 80-thousand-266-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-22-dollars-37-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 115-dollars-37-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….