News 06:00

BULLETIN 15 May 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa addresses concerns over slow investment delivery
# The National Prosecuting Authority is hopeful that Magudumana will eventually face trial
# And rugby: Willie le Roux will play his 400th first-class match this weekend

# Cyril Ramaphosa says the government is aware of concerns about slow investment delivery and insists that progress is being made through ongoing reforms. During his oral reply to questions in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa said the government’s investment drive remains on track, with efforts focused on improving confidence, unlocking projects, and accelerating economic growth and job creation:

# The National Prosecuting Authority says it is hopeful that disgraced doctor Nandipha Magudumana will eventually face trial and respond to the charges against her. She is challenging at the Constitutional Court the legality of her deportation from Tanzania, where she was arrested while on the run with convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester in April 2023. Magudumana’s legal argument is that her removal from Tanzania amounted to a “disguised extradition”. NPA spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga, says everything the state did was above board:

# The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association says many township liquor businesses continue to face legal uncertainty despite existing provisions that allow for the transfer of shebeen permits. Traders are now demanding a full overhaul of liquor licensing laws following a damning inquiry report into the Gauteng Liquor Board, which highlights years of regulatory failures and inconsistent enforcement. The association’s Jongikhaya Kraai calls for urgent regulatory clarity to resolve the long-standing dispute and restore stability in the sector.

# Iranian Foreign minister Abbas ‌Aragchi has called on fellow BRICS member states to condemn the US and Israel over what he called their “unlawful aggression” against Tehran. He was speaking at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, India, yesterday. The war in Iran has entered its 77th day. ‌Aragchi says the war facing his country is not merely a conflict concerning Iran alone, but rather a battle in defence of the new world:

# Rugby: Springbok stalwart Willie le Roux will play his 400th first-class match tomorrow when the Bulls face Italian side Benetton in their last United Rugby Championship group match in Pretoria. The 36-year-old versatile back player started his career at Boland before stints at teams such as Griquas, the Cheetahs, the Sharks and eventually to Loftus Versfeld. He has played 101 Tests for South Africa since 2013, scoring 75 points while also contributing to many tries. Le Roux says he has no intention of retiring at this stage.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-46-cents and the euro at 19-rand-22-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-6-cents and Bitcoin trades at 81-thousand-526-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-661-dollars-37-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 103-dollars-58-cents a barrel.

# And finally: A new submarine cable project linking Europe to Africa has been launched following the signing of a memorandum of understanding by various companies, including Orange Group and Sonatel. The ‘Via Africa’ submarine cable project aims at improving digital connectivity between Europe and Africa. The subsea cable system will link Europe to South Africa along Africa’s Atlantic coast. Planned landing points include the UK, France, Portugal, Nigeria, and Senegal. The project is expected to strengthen internet resilience, increase connectivity diversity, and support digital growth across the continent.

Stay tuned for more news………….