News 17:00

BULLETIN 25 May 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Kholeka Gcaleka urges the protection of Africa’s generational wealth
# Evidence from the Hawks raises questions over the Phala Phala cash amount
# And, the Pope asks for AI regulation and warns that some weapons are now beyond human control

# Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has called on governance professionals to protect Africa’s generational wealth and strengthen accountability systems. Speaking at the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors Governance Forum, Gcaleka warned that corruption remains deeply entrenched and costs Africa billions annually. Gcaleka described corruption as a coordinated system enabled by weak oversight and irregular appointments. She says stronger partnerships are essential to achieving Africa’s development goals under Agenda 2063:

# Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane has condemned what he calls growing anti-African bigotry disguised as patriotism. Speaking on Africa Day, Maimane warned against movements targeting fellow Africans through violence and discrimination. He said such actions betray the spirit of Ubuntu and Pan-African unity championed by leaders like the anti-colonial Africanist from Guinea-Bissau, Amílcar Cabral. Maimane also cautioned against tribalism and xenophobia, saying Africa’s future depends on unity, and economic growth:

# New forensic evidence in the Phala Phala burglary trial has cast doubt on president Cyril Ramaphosa’s claim that approximately ten-million-rand was stolen from his Limpopo farm in 2020. According to MDN News, Hawks investigators told the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo that financial analysis links the accused persons to more than 15-million-rand in cash deposits and luxury spending after the break-in, leading to questions of possible undeclared foreign currency. This revelation comes amid the Constitutional Court ruling that revived impeachment proceedings over the scandal.

# Pope Leo has urged governments to closely regulate the development of artificial intelligence systems, warning they spread misinformation, prioritise conflict and risk leading the world to unending war. In his first major document entitled Magnificent Humanity, he also expressed concern that leaders could start wars to distract citizens from domestic issues. Leo has adopted a more forceful tone in recent months and has drawn the ire of US president Donald Trump for criticising the Iranian war. The document has been in the works since his election last year.

# Soccer: Local governing body SAFA’s congress in Boksburg resolved to expel four suspended national executive committee members following disciplinary action. Vice president Linda Zwane says Monde Montshiwa, Gladwin White, Lebogang Riet and Bhuda Mathathe, stood accused of violating SAFA’s policy and bringing the organisation into disrepute. He explained this follows the disrupted meeting in March, where some members called for president Danny Jordaan to resign:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-30-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-99-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-1-cent and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-347-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-567-dollars-87-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 95-dollars-26-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….