News 16:00

BULLETIN 6 May 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa was unaware of the presence of a person of interest at the Zimbabwe engagement
# The DA in KwaZulu-Natal’s congress is set for the leadership election this weekend
# And golf: Cameron Smith believes LIV Golf will survive despite losing the Saudi Arabian financial backing

# The Presidency has acknowledged concern following reports that a person of interest to South African law enforcement was part of a delegation during president Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Zimbabwe. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told the media Ramaphosa was unaware of the person’s presence and had travelled at the invitation of president Emmerson Mnangagwa. Magwenya adds the matter is receiving the necessary attention:

# The Madlanga commission has postponed the appearance of KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona to next month. Evidence leader Mahlape Sello cited ongoing labour matters with the South African Police Service. Senona is under intense scrutiny following the 2021 disappearance of 541 kilograms of cocaine, worth an estimated 200-million-rand, from a Hawks facility in Port Shepstone. Sello says chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga accepted the postponement:

# The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has completed preparations for its provincial congress this weekend. Delegates will meet in Durban to elect new leadership ahead of the local government elections set for November fourth. At least ten candidates are vying for deputy chair. Current deputy speaker in the provincial legislature, Mmabatho Tembe, and Umngeni deputy mayor Sandile Mnikathi are among the candidates. The party emphasised its commitment to keeping the MK Party and EFF out of government through their rescue KZN mission.

# Police and immigration officials are on high alert at the Lebombo border post in Mpumalanga following threats of demonstrations from the Mozambican side. The situation is being closely monitored by border authorities to ensure safety and prevent disruptions to cross-border movement. Security has been reinforced in anticipation of possible unrest, although no incidents have yet been reported. Officials say their measures are precautionary, aimed at maintaining order and protecting travellers and personnel.

# Golf: Australian major winner Cameron Smith believes LIV Golf will survive despite Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s announcement it was cutting its funding after this season. The fund spent 81-billion-rand on the league since it was launched in 2022. Smith moved to LIV early for a reported sign-up fee of 1.6-billion-rand, and has earned 800-million-rand in prize money since. The winner of the 2022 British Open says he received every assurance the tour would continue next year.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-38-cents and the euro at 19-rand-27-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-31-cents and Bitcoin trades at 82-thousand-362-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-682-dollars-26-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 101-dollars-4-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….