News 11:00

BULLETIN 15 May 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Free Market Foundation says Ramaphosa’s signing of the NHI Bill into law is cynical electioneering
# Cosatu is disappointed by the latest unemployment figures
# And the EFF in Gauteng says Panyaza Lesufi is making hollow promises to non-profit organisations

# The Free Market Foundation says it has begun exploring possible legal challenges against the National Health Insurance Bill. President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign the bill into law at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today. The NHI is aimed at ensuring universal coverage for health services. The foundation’s Michael Settas says Ramaphosa signing the bill into law is a cynical attempt to garner votes for the ANC, rather than applying his mind to the harmful nature of the legislation:

# Union federation Cosatu has expressed disappointment at the recent uptick in the unemployment rate to 32.9-percent, citing challenges in key sectors like mining and manufacturing. Despite progress in areas, like decreased load-shedding and increased investments, the latest figures indicate urgent action is required to address the ongoing unemployment crisis. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says unemployment remains a critical socio-economic challenge that requires immediate and concerted action:

# The EFF in Gauteng says premier Panyaza Lesufi’s announcement of reinstating the non-profit organisation’s budget, is yet another superficial gesture as the general election approaches. Earlier this year the provincial Department of Social Development cut the budget for NPOs from 2.4- to 1.96-billion-rand. Many of the organisations provide services such as counselling, psychiatric evaluation, and post-domestic and sexual violence recovery. The EFF says Lesufi has offered numerous hollow promises without any commitment to fulfil them.

# An Austrian court has ruled the country’s most notorious criminal may be moved to a normal prison. Josef Fritzl is being kept in an institution for mentally disturbed prisoners since 2009, when he was convicted of holding his daughter Elisabeth captive for 24 years and fathering seven children with her. The court says the 89-year-old, who has since changed his name, no longer poses a danger due to his progressive dementia and physical frailty. Elisabeth and her six surviving children have taken on new identities.

# Cricket: Delhi Capitals ended the group stage of the Indian Premier League with a 19-run win over Lucknow Super Giants, to keep themselves in contention for a top-four finish, even if only mathematically. The Capitals made 208 for four, with half-centuries for Proteas batter Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel. In reply, the Super Giants were restricted to 189 for nine, with three wickets for Ishant Sharma. Stubbs says it was not the easiest surface to bat on: 

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-36-cents and the euro at 19-rand-89-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-13-cents and Bitcoin trades at 61-thousand-925-dollars-90-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-360-dollars-70-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-94-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….