News 06:00

BULLETIN 26 April 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Thabo Mbeki calls for attention to be given to the legitimate grievances of South Africans
# Minister Mantashe opposes BHP’s proposed takeover of Anglo American
# And rugby: Dan du Plessis stays with the Stormers until 2026

# Former President Thabo Mbeki says it’s time for the government to heed the undisputable concerns voiced by citizens. He had previously criticised the ANC for its handling of corruption but has now returned to support the party under president Cyril Ramaphosa. Mbeki, hitting the campaign trail for the ANC in Soweto, encouraged citizens to vote for the ruling party in the upcoming elections:

# Mineral Resources and Energy minister Gwede Mantashe has criticised BHP Group Limited’s proposed takeover of Anglo-American. The Australian mining giant has proposed an all-share takeover offer of Anglo-American that values it at about 743-billion-rand. The deal hinges on the demerger of Anglo American Platinum and Kumba Iron Ore. Mantashe says South Africa’s experience with BHP was not positive, therefore he would not support the takeover.

# Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane will today introduce an independent investigative law firm at Daveyton Skills School. The department’s spokesperson Steve Mabona says the firm’s mandate is to probe the deaths of Siphamandla Peterson and Sibusiso Sibiya, who tragically drowned during a discipline camp at Rock Falls Adventure Ranch in Centurion last week Monday:

# Haiti prime minister Ariel Henry has officially resigned, paving the way for a new government to be formed in the Caribbean country. He had agreed to step down last month after armed groups blocked his return to the violence-ravaged country. A transitional council, composed of seven voting members and two non-voting observers, has been tasked with the responsibility of naming a new prime minister and cabinet. According to the United Nations, more than one-thousand-500 people have been killed in Haiti in the first three months of this year.

# Rugby: Centre Dan du Plessis plans to stay in Cape Town until at least 2026. He extended his contract with the Stormers, having played for the team and Western Province for his entire professional career. The son of former Springbok Michael du Plessis has played 64 matches for the Stormers after also representing Province at age-group level. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson says the 29-year-old is a natural ball player who fits their game model perfectly, and the extension gives him the chance to fulfill his potential.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-1-cents and the euro at 20-rand-40-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-78-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-241-dollars-94-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-327-dollars-2-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 88-dollars-2-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Fans attending Comic-Con Cape Town, are promised an unforgettable experience of all things pop culture and gaming while rubbing shoulders with celebrities who bring this world to life. Headlining this year’s event is actor Sean Gunn, known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Guardians of the Galaxy. Lesley-Ann Brandt, loved for her portrayal of Mazikeen on the hit television series Lucifer, will also be in attendance. The festival runs from tomorrow until Monday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Stay tuned for more news………….