News 08:00

BULLETIN 21 May 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says South Africa is ready to partner with Botswana
# Eskom is seeking the backing of the World Bank for a nuclear programme
# And, Panyaza Lesufi will lead the new ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says Botswana can count on South Africa as a reliable neighbour, friend and partner as it continues on a path of modernisation, and towards a future of sustained development and prosperity. He made remarks during a state banquet in Gaborone yesterday evening. The president is on a two-day state visit to the country, where he will co-chair the sixth session of the Bi-National Commission. Ramaphosa says that, amidst the geopolitical tensions, Botswana has remained a true friend to South Africa:

Meanwhile, Botswana president Duma Boko says it is both timely and necessary that his country and South Africa continue to deepen cooperation across all sectors. South Africa is Botswana’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 50-percent of the country’s imports. Boko says that through enhanced collaboration, the two countries can position themselves as engines of regional transformation and pillars of continental progress:

# Eskom is in exploratory talks with the World Bank over funding for a multibillion-dollar nuclear programme. Koeberg Nuclear Power Station near Cape Town is Africa’s only operational nuclear power station. The power utility is proposing four-thousand-800 megawatts from conventional pressurised water reactors and 400 megawatts from small modular reactors. At least half of the small modular reactors’ capacity will be earmarked for its coal-to-nuclear strategy. The World Bank says its engagement is guided by countries’ development priorities and its policy framework, which allows for a range of technologies.

# ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, has unveiled the new Gauteng Provincial Task Team. The task team’s provincial convenor is Panyaza Lesufi; his deputy is Mandla Nkomfe; Sochayile Khanyile is the provincial coordinator, with his deputy being Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko; and the provincial fundraiser is Tasneem Motara. ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu, says the team has been entrusted with driving the organisational mandate, strengthening structures and leading preparations towards the local government elections:

# Cricket: Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Mumbai Indians by four wickets to keep alive their slim hope of reaching the Indian Premier League playoffs. Mumbai, who are already eliminated, posted 147 for eight from their 20 overs. In reply, Manish Pandey top-scored with 45 off 33 balls while Rovman Powell made 40, as KKR reached their target with seven balls to spare. KKR need to beat the Delhi Capitals in their final match and hope that Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings lose theirs, to make the playoffs.

And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-50-cents and the euro at 19-rand-17-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-15-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-927-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-533-dollars-10-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 102-dollars-35-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….