News 13:00

BULLETIN 14 May 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The UDM questions the motive behind the ANC’s flurry of activities 
# The Black Business Council calls for accountability in the George building collapse
# And tennis: Jannik Sinner could become the world number one at Roland Garros 

# The UDM says it seems like the ANC has undergone a miraculous transformation, with load-shedding disappearing, and municipalities suddenly prioritising service delivery. The party’s secretary-general, Yongama Zigebe, says it is essential for voters to critically evaluate these actions, and consider whether they represent genuine change or mere electioneering tactics. He says the sudden shift in behaviour from the ANC does raise questions about sincerity and motives:

Meanwhile, the absence of donation limits in the Electoral Matters Amendment Act is contested by political parties and civil society groups, citing concerns about transparency and accountability. Ramaphosa signed the legislation into law without donation caps for political parties being determined. Political parties had to declare donations above 100-thousand before. My Vote Counts has approached the courts, seeking a temporary order for the regulation of the donation cap to be reinstated, arguing that the act was inconsistent with the Constitution and therefore invalid.

# The Black Business Council has held the Department of Labour and Employment, led by minister Thulas Nxesi, accountable for the George building collapse. Deputy president Greg Mofokeng cites collective responsibility among the department, appointed health and safety officials, and other stakeholders. He says insufficient inspectors hinder workplace inspections, including construction sites nationwide. Mofokeng demands a thorough investigation to uncover the collapse’s cause and urges the establishment of construction industry protocols.

# Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi says the state of crime in the country needs an emergency response and the necessary resources. The premier visited the family of five-year-old Ditebogo Junior Phalane, who was shot dead outside his home in Soshanguve last week Friday. Lesufi says modern technology, systems, and innovations are needed to make combating crime more feasible:

# Tennis: A huge incentive awaits Jannik Sinner in the French Open. Novak Djokovic of Serbia’s early elimination in the Italian Open means the Italian could overtake him as world number one at Roland Garros. Chilean Alejandro Tabilo beat Djokovic in straight sets in Rome on Sunday, meaning even if he wins in Paris to clinch his 25th Grand Slam title, Sinner will take over in top position just by reaching the final. But Sinner is currently in a race against time to be fit for Paris.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-41-cents and the euro at 19-rand-87-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-9-cents and Bitcoin trades at 61-thousand-912-dollars-27-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-347-dollars-47-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 83-dollars-32-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….