News 06:00

BULLETIN 9 May 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Robert Prevost was elected as the first American pope
# The Presidency mourns the journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner
# And the poisoning of an elephant carcass kills 123 endangered vultures in the Kruger National Park

# Sixty-nine-year-old Robert Prevost of the US has been chosen as the 276th pope, the first American pontiff in history. The Chicago-born will be known as Pope Leo the 14th. His election comes despite the Vatican’s longstanding opposition to the idea of a pope from the US, because of the country’s superpower status. Prevost was made a cardinal by the late Pope Francis in 2023. Addressing the crowd gathered at St Peter’s Square, he called for the Catholic church to always seek peace and unity.

# Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa must increase efforts to produce affordable medicine locally to reduce reliance on foreign countries, after US funding cuts. During the National Assembly oral reply session, he said the government is exploring partnerships with countries like China and others in Europe and Asia to access cheaper drugs. Mashatile said Africa must become more self-reliant to improve access to healthcare:

# The deputy minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has extended heartfelt condolences following the tragic deaths of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli. The pair had been missing since February. Their bodies were discovered after a lengthy police investigation, leading to four arrests. Morolong condemned the brutal killings, praising Ndlovu’s contribution to democracy through journalism. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to citizen safety and media protection across South Africa.

# The DA in Johannesburg has laid culpable homicide charges against the CEO of Johannesburg Property Company, Helen Botes over the August 2023 fire in the Usindiso building that killed 77 people. The DA’s Nicole Rahn cites gross negligence and years of inaction despite warnings. Rahn says the Khampepe Commission urged disciplinary action, yet no steps were taken. She is demanding full investigation and justice for the victims and their families:

# The Kruger National Park is devastated following a mass poisoning that has left 123 vultures dead after feeding on a poisoned elephant carcass, likely laced with agricultural chemicals by poachers. The vultures include critically endangered white-backed, Cape, and lappet-faced vultures. Rescue teams managed to save 84 vultures, now recovering after emergency treatment. The South African National Parks and the Endangered Wildlife Trust have called it one of the worst poisoning events in the park’s history. It also highlights the escalating threat to Africa’s vulture populations.

# Rugby: Irish and English players make out the bulk of the British and Irish Lions squad for this year’s tour of Australia. Captain Maro Itoje is joined by 12 other players from England, while Ireland has 15 players in the group. Scotland is represented by eight players, while Wales’ 17th successive Test losses is reflected by the fact that only two of its players made the cut – captain Jac Morgan and scrumhalf Tomos Williams. South African-born Scottish players Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman were also included.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-20-cents and the euro at 20-rand-43-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-11-cents and Bitcoin trades at 102-thousand-898-dollar-60-cents. Gold sells at three-thousand-316-dollars-99-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-17-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….