News 06:00

BULLETIN 8 May 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The rescue operation at the site of the George building collapse is intensified
# Minister Kodwa takes action against the DA’s flag-burning advertisement
# And two Ukrainian officers are detained over an alleged plot to assassinate Zelensky

# Western Cape Disaster Management says all individuals still trapped under the rubble of the collapsed multi-storey building under construction in George, will be treated as alive for the next three days. This is as search and rescue efforts continue. Seven of the 75 construction workers who were on-site at the time of the collapse have been killed, while 41 remain trapped. Western Cape Disaster Management chief, Colin Deiner, says rescuers have started the process of delayering:

# The minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, is contemplating action against the DA’s controversial ad featuring the burning of the South African flag. The DA defended the image, citing concerns about the country’s state. Spokesperson Litha Mpondwana says the minister has instructed government officials to advise on potential recourse for the denigration of national symbols:

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the DA Federal Council, Helen Zille, has defended the party’s controversial advertisement, citing the need to convey stark truth. Zille says the ad warns of a coalition between the ANC, EFF, MK Party, and Patriotic Alliance and the impact thereof on the democracy and economy. She calls for voter action to prevent further damage and urges voters to choose between burners and builders in the upcoming elections.

# The chairperson of the Parliament’s portfolio committee on Mineral Resources and Energy, Sahlulele Luzipo, has expressed concern at Shell’s decision to divest from South Africa. The British multinational oil and gas company is reshaping its portfolio and will divest its shareholding in Shell Downstream South Africa. Shell operates about 700 service stations in the country. Luzipo says any company leaving the country at a time when investment is needed is a pity and a concern.

# Two Ukrainian military officers are behind bars for their alleged involvement in a Russian plot to assassinate president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The country’s state security service says the plot was foiled. The two colonels in the government protection unit are accused of subversive activities in exchange for financial compensation. They are charged with treason, while one also stands accused of preparing a terrorist act. According to reports, the accused planned the assassination as a gift to Russian president Vladimir Putin on his inauguration for a fifth term.

# Rugby: English Test flanker Tom Curry could return to action for Sale Sharks in Friday’s Premiership match against Leicester Tigers after undergoing a hip operation in November. He last played in the World Cup, where he controversially accused Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi of racism after his country was ousted by the eventual champions in the semifinal. Curry used the facilities of soccer team Manchester United to aid his recovery, including a treadmill that changes the effect of gravity while running.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-52-cents and the euro at 19-rand-91-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-15-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-612-dollars-91-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-313-dollars-55-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-88-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….