News 17:00

BULLETIN 19 June 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa vows to defend the Constitution and protect the democracy
# AZAPO is concerned over a crime spike and attacks on politicians
# And rugby: Evan Roos expects a physical battle against Wales 

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to defend South Africa’s Constitution and protect its democracy. In his second-term inaugural address at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, he reiterated his commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the rule of law. Ramaphosa says it’s crucial to protect the democratic institutions and foster a culture of accountability and transparency. He aims to strengthen democratic norms and protect fundamental rights for all South Africans:

Ramaphosa added economic growth and job creation are top priorities for his new administration. The president called for unity and collaboration across political lines to tackle inequality and economic disparities. Key goals include reducing unemployment, poverty alleviation and fostering sustainable development. According to Ramaphosa, the government is committed to investing in education, healthcare, and social cohesion, while also addressing crime and corruption:

# The Azanian People’s Organisation is deeply concerned over the rising crime rate, highlighted by this week’s kidnapping and ransom demand for UDM deputy president Nqabayomzi Kwankwa in Cape Town. This follows the tragic killing of AZAPO leader Mzimkhulu Nojozi in the Western Cape. AZAPO spokesperson Jabu Rakwena calls for military intervention to tackle illegal firearms and combat escalating crime across the country:

# The Helen Suzman Foundation has announced that the Constitutional Court has dismissed an appeal by the minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi against a Pretoria High Court judgment. The judgment held that the termination of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit was unlawful without fair consultation. Executive director Naseema Fakir says this ruling affirms Motsoaledi’s obligation to consider affected individuals’ rights, underscoring the importance of fair hearing and rational governance in South Africa.

# Rugby: Springbok number eight Evan Roos expects a physical battle against Wales on Saturday as the team kicks off their 2024 international season at Twickenham. Roos will earn his sixth Test cap in the clash. He says the Welsh have a similar demeanour to South Africans in their approach to Test rugby. The Springboks had their final training session in Pretoria yesterday, with the touring squad of 30 players named by coach Rassie Erasmus set to depart for London tonight.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-1-cent and the euro at 19-rand-36-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-91-cents and Bitcoin trades at 65-thousand-119-dollars-60-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-328-dollars-58-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-31-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….