News 17:00

BULLETIN 21 February 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Donald Trump’s visit to South Africa for the G20 summit is in doubt amid rising tensions
# SAPS is to review high murder zones next week
# And cricket: The Proteas set Afghanistan a winning target of 316 in Karachi

# US president Donald Trump’s attendance at the G20 Summit in South Africa in November remains uncertain amid growing diplomatic tensions. The US has also cut funding to South Africa. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent and secretary of State Marco Rubio, have snubbed G20 meetings, but president Cyril Ramaphosa says this is not a boycott. In response to a question on whether he will attend the summit, Trump told the media in the Oval Office South Africa is a dangerous place:

# Police are set to review high murder zones on Thursday, focusing on areas with elevated crime rates. The review will assess law enforcement strategies and explore measures to address the rising number of murders, with particular attention to the use of firearms. Police minister Senzo Mchunu told the media during the release of the latest crime statistics over 16-thousand firearms were recently destroyed as part of efforts to remove illegal weapons from communities:

# The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association urges businesses to claim the government’s enhanced renewable energy tax incentive before it expires next Friday. The incentive allows businesses to deduct 125-percent of their capital investment in renewable energy assets brought into use between March 1st 2023, and February 28th this year. After this deadline, the deduction will revert to the standard 100-percent deduction. The association’s CEO, Rethabile Melamu, says this incentive helps reduce taxable income and speeds up solar investment recovery.

# Cricket: Afghanistan is chasing a record target of 316 in the Champions Trophy match against South Africa in Karachi, Pakistan. The Proteas’ innings was anchored by a century by Ryan Rickelton and half-centuries by captain Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram, who contributed to very strong partnerships. South Africa ended on 315 for six. Mohammed Nabi took two wickets and Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Noor Ahmad both one, while Rickelton was run out.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-38-cents and the euro at 19-rand-23-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-24-cents and Bitcoin trades at 99-thousand-190-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-932-dollars-18-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-54-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has emphasised that language fosters identity and unity, calling for greater support to enhance its economic value. Speaking at Unisa on International Mother Language Day, he acknowledged apartheid’s impact on language development and praised Gauteng as a linguistic hub. Lesufi highlighted homes, schools, and workplaces as key spaces for preserving and promoting all languages in South Africa:

Stay tuned for more news………….