News 14:00

BULLETIN 19 May 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa designates minister Gwede Mantashe as acting president
# Two pedestrians are killed during a protest in Diepkloof, Soweto
# And two cold fronts are set to disrupt the current calm weather in South Africa

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has designated Mineral and Petroleum Resources minister Gwede Mantashe as acting president until Thursday. Ramaphosa left with a delegation to the US, where he is set to meet president Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to discuss global and bilateral issues. This follows Trump’s claims about land seizures and mistreatment of Afrikaners, and his offer to resettle them in the US.

Deputy president Paul Mashatile is on an official trip to France to strengthen ties between the countries. The visit will focus on boosting trade and investment, following recent diplomatic talks by International Relations minister Ronald Lamola. Mashatile will attend the SA-France Investment Conference and meet French president Emmanuel Macron. France has committed over 70-billion-rand to South Africa since 2018 through nearly 400 companies across key sectors.

# Two people have been killed and one injured after a truck approaching the scene of a protest smashed into pedestrians in Diepkoof, Soweto. Hostel residents are demanding land and development as well as water and sanitation infrastructure. Police spokesperson, Mavela Masondo says one person has been taken to hospital and police are investigating a public violence case:

# Basketball: The Gauteng Tourism Authority says hosting the 2025 Africa League Finals will boost tourism and stimulate Pretoria’s economy. The event, set at the SunBet Arena from six to 14 June, is expected to draw thousands of local and international visitors. It will include fan zones, cultural showcases, and youth engagement activities. Officials hope the tournament, a first for South Africa, will position Gauteng as a prime destination for international sporting events.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-3-cents and the euro at 20-rand-34-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-16-cents and Bitcoin trades at 103-thousand-60-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-240-dollars-69-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-2-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The South African Weather Service says two cold frontal systems are expected to develop this week. A cold front will make landfall over the south-western parts of the country today, resulting in wet, cold, and windy conditions over the western parts of the Western Cape. Weather forecaster, Lehlohonolo Thobela, says tomorrow the wet and cold weather conditions will spread, affecting the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape, and the Eastern Cape:

Stay tuned for more news………….