News 16:00

BULLETIN 19 May 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa honors foreign allies with the Order of OR Tambo
# A warning that South Africa will face a gas shortfall by 2030
# And soccer: Neymar is included in Brazil’s World Cup squad

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has honored several foreign nationals with the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo for supporting South Africa’s freedom and democracy. Speaking at the award ceremony in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the award recognises friendship, solidarity and contributions to peace. Recipients include Teresa Hillary Clarke from the US and Professor Cherif Keita from Mali. Ramaphosa says South Africa’s freedom was achieved through global solidarity:

Meanwhile, Sport, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie says South Africa must continue honoring those who shaped the country’s democracy and freedom. He praised recipients for their service and sacrifice. McKenzie also highlighted the country’s achievements in science, leadership and human rights, saying the honorees represent the spirit and resilience of the nation:

# Industrial Gas Users Association-Southern Africa has warned South Africa faces a major gas supply shortfall by 2030. The group says declining supply from Mozambique and the end of Sasol’s temporary gas provision could severely affect the industry. The association has proposed urgent policy measures, including strategic infrastructure investment, regional gas partnerships and government-backed funding support. It says immediate action is needed to protect the economy, support industrial growth and ensure a stable energy transition.

# Airlink will launch the first direct flights between Cape Town and Zanzibar in October. The new weekly Saturday service follows the launch of Airlink’s Johannesburg to Zanzibar route in June. The new schedule shortens the journey for passengers travelling between the Western Cape and the East African island. Previously, most scheduled trips from Cape Town to Zanzibar required at least one connection, via Johannesburg. CEO De Villiers Engelbrecht says the route will improve tourism and business travel. Passengers already booked via Johannesburg can switch to the direct service at no extra cost.

# Soccer: Thirty-four-year-old forward, Neymar, has been included in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA. He is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals, but has not played for his country since 2023 after struggling with injuries. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has also included La Liga stars Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s Raphinha. Premier League players, including Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, and Manchester United’s Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, are also in the squad. Brazil has won the World Cup five times.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-64-cents and the euro at 19-rand-34-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-31-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-736-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-539-dollars-21-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 107-dollars-29-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….