News 14:00

BULLETIN 30 June 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Lesotho deploys five buses to assist citizens returning from South Africa
# Home Affairs struggles to process thousands in a repatriation surge in Musina
# And rugby: The loose forward Elrigh Louw is called up to the Springboks’ Nations Championship squad

# Lesotho’s government has deployed five buses to help Basotho nationals who wish to return home from South Africa amid growing concerns over anti-foreigner tensions. The buses will transport citizens from Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal following reports of fear and uncertainty in affected communities. Authorities say the repatriation is voluntary and aimed at protecting citizens while they continue monitoring developments in South Africa. The government has also pledged to work with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Basotho nationals.

Thousands of Malawian nationals have meanwhile gathered outside the Home Affairs office in Musina, Limpopo, seeking documentation to facilitate their return home. The group, transported from KwaZulu-Natal, has been waiting since last night, with many reporting shortages of food, money, and transport to Malawi. Authorities say processing is underway to manage the large volume of repatriation requests. The situation follows escalating tensions around immigration and is expected to increase movement through the Beitbridge border post.

The civil movement Soil of Africa says it stands in solidarity with communities calling for the effective enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws and the protection of the socio-economic rights of citizens. The movement’s Dineo Mofokeng says concerns raised regarding unemployment, crime, and border management deserve lawful, responsible, and urgent attention from government:

# A specialist recovery and cleansing team is on scene at the Koeberg Interchange in Cape Town after a fuel tanker overturned last night. Spokesperson Kevin Jacobs says authorities are transferring fuel from the truck before beginning clean-up and recovery operations. He says multiple road closures are in effect, including sections of the N1, the N7, the M5 and surrounding routes, to ensure safety during the operation:

# Rugby: Head coach Rassie Erasmus has called up Springbok loose forward Elrigh Louw to the national squad for the Nations Championship as additional forward cover. He joined his team mates in Johannesburg today. Louw played the last of his 13 Tests against Wales in November 2024, and was on the sidelines with a serious knee injury last year. He returned to the field this year and made a strong impact in the Bulls pack. The Boks start their Nations Championship campaign against England at Ellis Park on Saturday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-37-cents and the euro at 18-rand-65-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-66-cents and Bitcoin trades at 59-thousand-269-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-25-dollars-31-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-98-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….