News 16:00

BULLETIN 15 May 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cabinet urges public input on the new Economic Transformation Fund
# Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the withdrawal of US funding will not collapse the fight against HIV/Aids
# And rugby: 54 players are invited to the second Bok alignment camp in Cape Town

# Cabinet is calling on the public to share their views on a proposed Economic Transformation Fund to boost inclusive growth and reduce inequality. The fund is expected to support small businesses, job creation, and skills development, especially in underprivileged communities. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told the media public input is key to shaping a fund that meets South Africa’s development needs:

# Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi says the withdrawal of US funding to support HIV/Aids will not collapse the fight against the epidemic in the country. He was providing an update on the progress made to mitigate the impact of funding withdrawal by the US government on the country`s response to HIV/AIDS and TB programme. Motsoaledi says of the 46.8-billion-rand allocated to HIV/Aids funding, only 7.9-billion-rand comes from the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief:

# The Barberton Mine in Mpumalanga, operated by Pan African Resources, has announced plans to retrench over 240 workers due to escalating operational costs and declining production levels. The company cites increased expenses and a downturn in gold output as primary factors necessitating the workforce reduction. It says the move is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at sustaining the mine’s viability amid challenging economic conditions. Trade unions have expressed concern over the potential job losses and are engaging with management to explore alternatives.

# Rugby: Fifty-four players were invited to next week’s second Springbok alignment camp of the year in Cape Town. They include the player of this year’s Varsity Cup competition, Ntokozo Makhaza from Ikeys, former Junior Springbok Juarno Augustus and the Sharks’ Congolese-born loose forward, Vincent Tshituka. Head coach Rassie Erasmus says 36 locally-based players will travel to Cape Town while 18 overseas-based players will attend virtually. He says injured Boks Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane were not considered.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-6-cents and the euro at 20-rand-22-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-98-cents and Bitcoin trades at 102-thousand-530-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-181-dollars-30-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-81-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, has hailed Springbok and Bulls rugby player Cornal Hendricks for his tenacity and dedication. Hendricks died yesterday following a heart attack, aged 37. His career was interrupted following a heart condition diagnosis, but he returned to action in 2019 with Super Rugby after receiving a second medical opinion. The MEC says Hendricks’s legacy will inspire future generations:

Stay tuned for more news………….