News 11:00

BULLETIN 4 May 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa says the historical injustice of colonialism in Africa must be confronted with honesty and integrity
# Trump says the US military will guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz
# And rugby: The Junior Boks’ coach credits growth and belief for their Under-20 Rugby Championship success

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says despite Africa’s many languages and cultures, Africans take pride in a common identity and a belonging that transcends geographical boundaries. May is Africa Month, commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa notes while most African countries have achieved independence, the effects of the colonial era are still evident in the inequality, economic exclusion, political instability, and conflicts that persist on the continent. He says the historical injustice of colonialism must be confronted with honesty and integrity. 

# Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, has warned that rising cases of child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy remain a national disgrace. According to the National Child Protection Register, eight-thousand-984 cases of child abuse and three-thousand-258 sexual abuse cases were recorded in the third quarter statistics for the previous financial year. Over 100-thousand children and teenagers experience unintended pregnancies annually. Spokesperson Sandy Godlwana says an urgent and coordinated national action is needed to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation:

# The Soil of Africa Movement says the kidnapping of Vosloorus businessman Mazwi Kubheka reflects a deeper crisis facing black-owned businesses that continue to operate under fear, intimidation, and extortion. He arrived at the local police station on Saturday, after being missing for a month. Kubheka was allegedly abducted after a dispute over business operations. The movement’s leader, Bongani Ramontja, says a full investigation is required into criminal syndicates linked to kidnappings and extortion:

Moving abroad:

# President Donald Trump says the US military will begin guiding stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz from today. According to the International Maritime Organisation, over 800 ships and as many as 20-thousand seafarers have been unable to transit the strait during the US-Iranian conflict. In a post on Truth Social, Trump says he was launching the campaign, dubbed Project Freedom, at the request of countries whose vessels are stranded in the strait. He warns any interference would be dealt with forcefully.

# Rugby: Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has credited his squad’s growth and collective belief for managing to clinch the Under-20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha. South Africa thrashed Australia 57-17 to seal the title with a game to spare. Foote says while physical dominance remains a hallmark of how they play, the group has developed a more complete and connected identity. He also credited captain Riley Norton and the leadership group for setting the tone throughout the week. The Junior Boks will face New Zealand in their final match on Saturday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-62-cents and the euro at 19-rand-49-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-57-cents and Bitcoin trades at 79-thousand-883-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-589-dollars-51-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 107-dollars-32-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….