News 17:00

BULLETIN 18 February 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africa commences with the G20 Employment Working Group meetings
# The Security Regulator condemns the security abuses at the Zanzou nightclub
# And rugby: The Varsity Cup clash between Ikeys and the Eagles is moved to an undisclosed venue after a protest

# South Africa is hosting G20 Employment Working Group meetings in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, focusing on labour and employment issues. The four-day event will cover youth employment, gender equality, income inequality, and digitalisation’s impact. Guest countries from Africa have been invited to enhance regional cooperation. Employment and Labour minister Nomakhosazana Meth says the meetings align with South Africa’s G20 presidency theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability:

# The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority has condemned alleged security abuses at Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria. Graphic video footage shows violence and human rights violations by security personnel. PSiRA director Manabela Chauke announced an urgent investigation and warned of possible suspensions and legal action. Chauke urges victims and witnesses to report incidents. He says PSiRA remains committed to ensuring private security operates lawfully and protects the dignity of all people.

# The DA remains concerned that the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief funded services have not yet resumed, despite the US government’s announcement of a waiver for critical programmes. The party warns that delays in reinstating PEPFAR services put thousands of lives at risk daily. The DA’s Karl le Roux has urged the Department of Health to intensify engagements with US authorities to restore funding and protect the 15-thousand healthcare jobs affected by the freeze:

# Rugby: The Varsity Cup match between the Universities of Cape Town and North West will be played at an undisclosed venue tonight after it had to be cancelled last night. The first-round match at Ikeys’ home ground couldn’t proceed because protesters invaded the pitch. They apparently protested against the lack of sufficient accommodation for students at campuses. The organisers say tonight’s game will be closed to the public, and UCT’s rugby club should be contacted for ticket refunds.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-42-cents and the euro at 19-rand-25-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-20-cents and Bitcoin trades at 96-thousand-233-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-914-dollars-81-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-82-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Baby Savers South Africa has flagged a rise in child abandonment, while the adoption rate remains low. It calls for urgent legislative change for the introduction of safe alternatives for mothers in crisis. Spokesperson Dee Blackie stresses the need for government support to prevent unsafe abandonment and protect vulnerable infants:

Stay tuned for more news………….