News 15:00

BULLETIN 30 May 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Tolashe welcomes the life sentences in the Joshlin Smith case
# Rand Water completes it planned maintenance at the Amanzimtoti Pump Set 5
# And, Cabinet approves a new bill to regulate employment of foreign nationals

# Social Development minister Sisisi Tolashe has welcomed the life sentences handed to Kelly Smith, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn for the trafficking and kidnapping of six-year-old Joslin Smith. The trio will also be added to the Child Protection Register as directed by the Western Cape High Court. The department’s spokesperson, Bathembu Futshane says the sentencing, during Child Protection Month, highlights the urgent need to strengthen child safety systems:

# Rand Water says the maintenance work is continuing without any major disruption and it will end on Monday as planned. Spokesperson Makenosi Maroo says on Thursday, Rand Water started its planned maintenance of infrastructure to improve their network’s reliability and efficiency and pumping capacity has been reduced at the Eikenhof, Palmiet, Mapleton, and Zwartkopjes systems. She says the water entity is urging residents in the affected municipalities to use water sparingly as taps have run dry in several areas:

# Cabinet has approved the Employment Services Amendment Bill and the National Labour Migration Policy White Paper. This bill will introduce quotas on the employment of foreign nationals in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and construction. The policy aims to boost local job access and limit undocumented employment. Labour brokers are also expected to face stricter controls. The Employment minister will now set sector quotas while consultations will define scarce skills to build South Africa’s workforce.

# A Mexican state plagued by drug-related violence has launched a fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks to patrol the streets. The western state of Jalisco is home to one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking groups, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which was designated a terrorist organisation by US president Donald Trump. The futuristic, tortoise-shaped pickups are part of an investment to buy more than 690 new vehicles, including 200 motorbikes. Security is a top priority for Jalisco authorities ahead of the 2026 World Cup, when state capital Guadalajara will host four matches.

# Soccer: Egyptian outfit Al Ahly has appointed former Orlando Pirates boss José Riveiro as their new head coach. The Spaniard was granted an early release from his contract with the Buccaneers, departing with 80 wins, 26 draws and 26 defeats in 132 matches. Riveiro will be thrown straight into the deep end with the FIFA Club World Cup starting on June 14 in the USA. Al Ahly, Africa’s most successful club, are in Group A with Inter Miami, Palmeiras and FC Porto.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-89-cents and the euro at 20-rand-28-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-12-cents and Bitcoin trades at 105-thousand-873-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-290-dollars-89-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-88-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….