News 06:00

BULLETIN 28 April 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says the democratic government has made many gains in the past 32 years
# Another suspect is arrested over a string of attacks on Jewish sites in London
# And cricket: Laura Wolvaardt leads the Proteas Women to a 4-1 T20 series victory against India

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says in the 32 years of South Africa’s democracy, a progressive constitutional democracy, firmly anchored in the rule of law, has been built, with an independent judiciary that serves as a guardian of the rights of all. He delivered the keynote address at the Freedom Day national celebration in Bloemfontein, Free State, on Monday. Ramaphosa emphasised that the democratic government has made many gains:

Ramaphosa also says South Africans should never allow the legitimate concerns of communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards fellow Africans. He said the government is clamping down on illegal migration and on businesses that flout the country’s laws by hiring undocumented persons at the expense of citizens. Ramaphosa added that citizens should not allow concerns about illegal migrants to give rise to xenophobia:

# Communications and Digital Technologies minister Solly Malatsi says stronger artificial intelligence authentication measures will be implemented to prevent risks and protect credibility of policy frameworks. He withdrew the draft A-I policy after reports revealed it contained fabricated academic references. Malatsi says reliance on unverified A-I-generated content undermines integrity and amounts to intellectual misconduct. He adds consequence management will commence while restoring the integrity of the policy:

# South Africa, in partnership with the African Union Commission, is hosting the fifth ordinary session of the African Union’ specialised technical committee on Transport and Energy in Johannesburg. Discussions will focus on regional connectivity and key programmes like the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa. Electricity and Energy chief director, Elizabeth Marabwa, says the event strengthens collaboration, guides investment and supports sustainable growth. She says there will be strong emphasis on renewable energy, energy market integration and initiatives such as the African Single Electricity Market.

# British police say a 26th suspect had been arrested in connection with a string of attacks on Jewish sites in the northwest of the capital of London since last month. In the latest incident, a 37-year-old man was taken in for questioning on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Previous incidents include arson attacks on a synagogue and the former offices of a Jewish charity, and a drone being flown near the Israeli embassy. Sky News reports counter-terror police are investigating the possible involvement of Iranian proxies.

# Cricket: Captain Laura Wolvaardt starred with the bat as the Proteas Women defeated India by 23 runs in Benoni in the fifth and final T20, wrapping up the five-match series 4-1. Wolvaardt scored an unbeaten 92 from 56 balls, guiding South Africa to 155 for six. In reply, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nadine de Klerk took two wickets each as India were restricted to 132 for eight. This series was preparation for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, with South Africa starting their campaign against Australia on 13 June.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-49-cents and the euro at 19-rand-36-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-34-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-12-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-687-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 101-dollars-56-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….