News 14:00

BULLETIN 19 June 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# John Steenhuisen urges a manifesto merge by the government of national unity for service delivery 
# The IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa hails the historic new government 
# And rugby: The TMO has been expanded for the Bok Test

# DA leader John Steenhuisen has stressed parties in the government of national unity must merge their policies to deliver services to South Africans. Speaking at president Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Steenhuisen promised the DA’s commitment to a clean, accountable government with zero tolerance for corruption. He emphasised the need for openness and honesty in implementing policies and manifestos:

Also at the inauguration, IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said South Africans have long waited for a government that works. Hlabisa calls today a historic moment, noting that the government of national unity was voter-driven, not constitutionally mandated. He assures the IFP will actively contribute to a stable and accountable government:

# The Presidency and State Attorney are demanding former president Jacob Zuma pay interest on the 28.9-million-rand the government spent on his legal fees in his corruption case. News24 reports, Zuma, facing 18 charges linked to the arms deal scandal, must repay legal fees after the High Court in Pretoria and the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled against state funding for his defence. The DA has called for the attachment of Zuma’s pension if he fails to repay the amount. Zuma’s corruption trial is set to take place from April to September next year.

# North Korean president Kim Jong Un says he “fully supports” Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on president Vladimir Putin first visit to the country in 24 years. The two leaders hailed ties between their countries after Putin’s overnight arrival. The BBC reports Putin received a red carpet welcome, including roses, waving crowds and ceremonial gunfire at a grand military parade. The Russian president thanked Kim for North Korea’s support of Russia’s policies, including the invasion of Ukraine.

# Rugby: World Rugby has announced an expansion of the television match official’s powers for Saturday’s Test between the Springboks and Wales, as well as the upcoming U20 Championship in Cape Town. The governing body confirmed it is operating an initial closed trial of modifications to the TMO at World Rugby competitions in July. In addition, Saturday’s two matches at Twickenham – the Springboks versus Wales and Fiji versus Barbarians – will also operate the trial following requests from the respective unions.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-98-cents and the euro at 19-rand-32-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-90-cents and Bitcoin trades at 65-thousand-156-dollars-25-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-329-dollars-48-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-24-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….