News 17:00

BULLETIN 26 May 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC warns against hate during immigration protests
# Western Cape parents will receive school placement outcomes this week
# And, a DRC governor says Ebola needs a swift response to prevent a catastrophe

# The ANC has cautioned against hate speech, violence and vigilantism towards foreign nationals amid protests against illegal immigration. The ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says most demonstrators are demanding stronger government action on border management, corruption and unlawful immigration. However, Mbalula stressed that protests must remain lawful and humane, warning that xenophobia damages South Africa’s image and values:

# The National Treasury’s Jobs Fund has opened its13th funding round aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities across South Africa. Jobs Fund head Najwah Allie-Edries says the initiative will focus on the green and informal economy under the theme “Catalysing demand-led growth.” Since 2011, the Jobs Fund has committed more than 7.7-billion-rand to projects supporting over 343-thousand jobs and internships. The latest round targets youth, women and disadvantaged communities through innovative employment solutions. The funding round applications close on 30 June.

# The Western Cape Education Department says outcomes for on-time applications for grades R, one and eight admissions for next year will be available from Thursday. Parents and guardians are urged not to panic if their child does not receive an immediate placement. Education MEC David Maynier encouraged parents to accept one offer quickly and confirm their choices by 15 June, as more spaces will open during the process:

# The military governor of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province has likened the struggle to contain the current Ebola outbreak to a war they are lacking resources for. Johnny Luboya Nkashama told French broadcaster RFI people in affected areas are not receiving enough food. He calls for a swift response to prevent a catastrophe. More than 900 suspected cases have been reported, with 223 suspected deaths since the outbreak was declared on 15 May.  The World Health Organisation has meanwhile declared a public health emergency of international concern.

# Soccer: Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has urged the Premier League’s leadership to review the calendar, warning a congested fixture schedule is hurting clubs competing in Africa and increasing injury risks for players. This follow Sundowns’ CAF Champions League triumph after a 1-all draw against AS FAR in Morocco secured a 2-1 aggregate victory. Cardoso says South African clubs need better support and scheduling to compete successfully:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-35-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-2-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-2-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-736-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-525-dollars-44-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 96-dollars-26-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….