News 13:00

BULLETIN 31 May 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The PAC says immigration is not the cause of South Africa’s challenges
# Contralesa demands economic inclusion for communities 
# And, the Blitzboks are through to the final of the World Sevens tournament in Spain

# Pan Africanist Congress leader Mzwanele Nyhontso says immigration should not be blamed for South Africa’s ongoing challenges including the unemployment crisis. Speaking during the party’s Africa Month celebration while opening a new branch in Centane, Eastern Cape, Nyhontso said joblessness is driven mainly by economic challenges, and a lack of opportunities rather than the presence of foreign nationals. He emphasised that Africans cannot be foreigners in their own continent. He called for greater focus on skills development and economic expansion initiatives.

# Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa president, Kgosi Mokoena, has called for meaningful economic inclusion and greater benefits for communities living near conservation areas. Speaking to SABC News during the 100th anniversary celebrations of Kruger National Park, Mokoena said surrounding communities must share in the economic opportunities created by the park. He also condemned the signing of the Beneficiation Scheme Agreement without communication from traditional leaders in the area:

# The National Freedom Party appeal body has upheld the expulsion of KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC and party’s provincial chairperson Mbali Shinga. The appeal panel dismissed her challenge against findings of gross insubordination and misconduct, linked to her decision to defy a party directive during a no-confidence vote against premier Thami Ntuli. The ruling means Shinga immediately loses her NFP membership and provincial legislature seat, with the party expected to begin the process of appointing her replacement. 

# DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane has called for an end to lawlessness, corruption and crime in the metro, saying residents deserve safe communities and reliable services. Speaking during DA’s voter registration launch, Rasilingwane says Ekurhuleni’s law enforcement structures must be strengthened to restore public trust and improve safety. She emphasised that corruption eradication, improved service delivery and rebuild municipal governance remains non-negotiable:

Rugby: The Blitzboks made it to the finals of the World Sevens tournament at Valladolid in Spain by beating Argentina in a thrilling semi-final encounter by 19 -7. They will now meet Australia in the finals later this afternoon. South Africa started their campaign on Friday by beating Britain by 17-12, then got beaten by Australia 24-14, but went on to conquer Kenya 14-0 and narrowly beating Spain in the quarter-finals 14-12 yesterday. The finals will start at 4:26 this afternoon.

# And finally soccer: Bafana Bafana legend Mark Williams says the national soccer team has the talent and mentality to make South Africa proud at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. South Africa returns to the World Cup after a 16-year absence. Williams, who was the hero of Bafana’s historic 1996 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, urged the squad to remain focused as they represent the country. Bafana Bafana are yet to depart amid clearance challenges ahead of their opening Group A clash against Mexico on June 11:

Stay tuned for more news………….