News 17:00

BULLETIN 3 June 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa urges action over talk as the Presidency budget debate wraps up
# AfriForum welcomes a court decision to uphold the publication of Matric results
# And soccer: FIFA confirms all squads for the World Cup

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government must move beyond identifying challenges and focus on delivering solutions, with a strong emphasis on economic growth, job creation and improved service delivery. Responding to the Presidency budget vote debate in Parliament, Ramaphosa said coordinated action across government is needed to turn plans into results. He added that reforms in key sectors such as energy, transport and investment are aimed at strengthening the economy and supporting long-term development:

# AfriForum has welcomed the High Court in Pretoria’s decision opposing the Information Regulator’s application for leave to appeal a ruling allowing the publication of matric results. AfriForum’s Alana Bailey says the judgment confirms that publishing results using examination numbers protects learners’ privacy while serving the public interest. The case began in 2022 when attempts were made to stop publication of results. She emphasised a victory for access to information:

# Namibia is reviewing its 33-year-old immigration legislation as part of efforts to modernise migration management, strengthen border security and support investment and travel. Speaking at a public consultation in Swakopmund, Immigration and Border Control Director Danelie |Naris  said the 1993 law no longer reflects current migration trends and technological developments. The proposed Immigration Control Bill will introduce advanced traveler information systems and cater for investors and skilled workers. The reforms seek to help create an effective, secure and economically supportive migration framework.  

# Soccer: World governing body FIFA has confirmed all the squads for the World Cup in Northern America, kick-off on Tuesday. One-thousand-248 players will represent 48 teams in 104 matches in Canada, the US and Mexico, with the final on 19 July. FIFA says 357 players have played in at least one previous tournament, while 891 will experience the competition for the first time. Craig Gordon of Scotland is the oldest player at 43-years and 162-days, and Mexican Gilberto Mora the youngest at 17-years and 240-days.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-29-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-90-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-89-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-979-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-464-dollars-10-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 96-dollars-70-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has placed disaster management teams on high alert as a cold weather system moves across the country. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply, with light snowfall forecast over the Drakensberg. Hikers are warned to avoid the mountains. The department’s Senzelwe Mzila has urged motorists to drive carefully in wet and cold conditions and advised farmers to provide shelter for their livestock:

Stay tuned for more news………….