News 06:00

BULLETIN 24 May 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Fikile Mbalula says people are increasingly confident in the ANC
# POPCRU is worried about the police’s preparations for the election
# And, the International Court of Justice will deliver an order on South Africa’s genocide case today

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says people are increasingly expressing their confidence in the party, under the leadership of president Cyril Ramaphosa, to build the economy, create jobs, improve service delivery, and crack down on corruption. The ANC has recorded a steady decline in electoral support in previous elections, with polls suggesting it will dip below the 50-percent margin this time around. Speaking ahead of their final election rally at the FNB Stadium tomorrow, Mbalula says the ANC remains committed to renewing itself:

# The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union has expressed concerns about SAPS management’s handling of preparations for next week’s national general elections. Spokesperson Richard Mamabolo criticised the police for delegating responsibilities to provinces and lacking a clear deployment plan. Mamabolo highlighted unresolved issues regarding leave days and accused police management of undermining collective bargaining. He warns that poor working conditions are lowering morale among police members:

# The DA in Gauteng is demanding the provincial Department of Social Development to immediately pay non-profit organisations their subsidies, to stop the suffering of vulnerable people. The High Court in Johannesburg has ordered the department to finalise funding applications submitted by NPOs by today and to issue service-level agreements by the end of this month. The DA’s, Refiloe Nt’sekhe, says there are several steps the party would take if it was in power, to ensure that NPOs are paid on time:

# The International Court of Justice at The Hague in Netherlands, is set to announce its decision on South Africa’s request for provisional measures against Israel. South Africa filed this request on 10 May, seeking to protect Palestinian rights and ensure Israel complies with its obligations. It claims Israel violated the Genocide Convention regarding Palestinians in Gaza Provisional measures are interim orders to safeguard rights while a case is pending. The court previously approved similar measures in January and March this year.

# Rugby: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth was entrusted with the Sharks’ captain armband for tonight’s Challenge Cup final against Gloucester in London. He takes over from fellow World Cup-winning Bok Lukhanyo Am, who is injured. Head coach John Plumtree named the same team that beat Clermont in the penultimate round. Another Bok, loosehead prop Ox Nché, who will play his 50th match for the Durban team, says everyone is focussed. Kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium is at nine tonight.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-47-cents and the euro at 19-rand-97-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-45-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-646-dollars-41-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-327-dollars-9-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 81-dollars-29-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Van Ryn’s 15-year-old Potstill Brandy has been named the World’s Best Wine Brandy for the second year running at the 2024 World Drinks Awards. It surpassed competitors from other South African producers, France, Spain, and Australia. This marks the fourth time in five years that Van Ryn’s has claimed this prestigious title. The brandy, matured in French oak barrels, offers a graceful profile with notes of liquorice, toffee, and stone fruit. Master blender Marlene Bester lauds the team’s dedication, inviting enthusiasts to explore their range online or at the Stellenbosch distillery.

Stay tuned for more news………….