News: 11:00

BULLETIN 23 February 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africa moves closer to exitting the Financial Action Task Force’s greylist
# Frank Chikane calls for boycott against Israel
# And rugby: The Blitzboks face Fiji in the semifinal of the Vancouver Sevens

# The Financial Action Task Force has upgraded four of South Africa’s six outstanding action items. According to National Treasury, the country could be delisted from the greylist in October as 20 of 22 action items have been addressed. It confirms authorities continue efforts to improve investigations into money laundering and terrorist financing. The regulator acknowledged progress, but urges further action before the next reporting period ends in June. Treasury has welcomed ongoing efforts by regulators.

# The South African Weather Service has warned of severe thunderstorms in several provinces today, including Limpopo, the Free State, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal. Possible flooding, hail, and strong winds are expected. The Northern Cape may experience conditions condusive to field fires. Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo will see scattered showers and thundershowers, while coastal areas may face fog and light rain. The weather advisory highlights potential disruptions for travellers.

# Struggle stalwart Frank Chikane has called for a boycott of all goods to and from Israel. Speaking at a Palestine Solidarity Campaign rally in Cape Town, he condemned US presidents Donald Trump’s stance of forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, and called for accountability for what he termed genocide. Chikane urged global action to dismantle what he describes as Israel’s apartheid regime:

# A young refugee from Syria is due in court in Berlin today after a Spanish tourist was stabbed near the German capital’s Holocaust Memorial. The 30-year-old tourist was taken to hospital in a serious condition, but doctors say he’s out of danger. The suspect is described as a 19-year-old. It isn’t clear whether the two men knew each other or what the motive could be. The memorial to the six-million-Jews murdered by the Nazis in World War Two is described as the city’s most sacred site.  

# Rugby: South Africa will face world series log leader Fiji in the semifinal of the Vancouver Sevens in Canada tonight. The Blitzboks beat New Zealand and Ireland before going down 12-17 to Australia in their final group match. However, they got the better of the Aussies in the quarterfinal, winning 17-14 through tries by Ronald Brown, Ryan Oosthuizen and Shilton van Wyk. In tonight’s other semifinal, Argentina, who are currently second on the log, will play third-placed Spain. South Africa is fourth on the log.

# And roadrunning: Over 600 police members, including national commissioner Fannie Masemola, are participating in the Pretoria Marathon today. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says they will compete in various divisions, with KwaZulu-Natal fielding the most runners. She reiterates that police emphasises fitness and mental well-being, offering weekly exercise time for officials:

Stay tuned for more news………….