News 18:00
BULLETIN 15 April 6 pm
Good afternoon. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Cyril Ramaphosa says Roelf Meyer’s appointment is based on merit, not politics
# Julius Malema vows nothing will disrupt the EFF revolution despite his sentencing in the fire-arms case
# And Ukraine says it has regained nearly 50 square kilometres of its territory from Russia
# President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended Roelf Meyer’s appointment as South Africa’s new ambassador to the US, citing he is well qualified to help reset relations between the two countries. Ramaphosa says Meyer’s experience in conflict resolution and ongoing engagement with US officials make him suitable for the role, and he is expected to represent government policy neutrally. He also expressed confidence that Meyer’s credentials will be accepted by US leadership:
Meanwhile, Business Leadership South Africa has welcomed the appointment. The business organisation believes Meyer’s experience in negotiation and nation-building positions him well to manage relations with Washington, a key trade and investment partner. The organisation’s CEO, Busisiwe Mavuso, says strong ties with America remain vital for economic growth, with hundreds of American companies operating locally:
# EFF leader Julius Malema says the party will continue regardless of the outcome of his sentencing at the East London Magistrates’ Court in KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape. This follows his pre-sentencing arguments after being convicted of contravening the Firearms Control Act. Sentencing is expected tomorrow morning. Malema, who was supported by family members, accused civil organisation AfriForum of targeting him, saying the EFF remains united and committed to its mission:
# Ukraine’s Army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, says they regained control of nearly 50 square kilometres of their territory from Russia last month, building on its gains since the start of the year. He adds with the change in weather conditions, Moscow’s forces have stepped up their offensive operations and were conducting them along almost the entire one-thousand-200 kilometre front line. Syrskyi says the area around the embattled eastern city of Pokrovsk, which Russia has been trying to capture since mid-2024, saw some of the most intense fighting in March.
# Cricket: England’s captain, Ben Stokes, has dismissed suggestions of a rift with coach Brendon McCullum, insisting they are aligned in their vision for the team. Their relationship was scrutinised following England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. Both Stokes and McCullum have their respective contracts running till 2027, with the Ashes and the World Cup on the horizon next year. Stokes says he is confident in their ability to work together, and while they have their differences, they both want the same thing – to be as successful as possible.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-37-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-30-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-20-cents and Bitcoin trades at 74-thousand-016-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-825-dollars-99-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 92-dollars-21-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….