News 07:00

BULLETIN 18 May 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cyril Ramaphosa is confident about the strength of support for the ANC
# The Electoral Commission announces a smooth start to special voting abroad
# And, cricket: Pooran stars as Lucknow Super Giants defeat Mumbai Indians in IPL

# ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence in support for the party ahead of the upcoming May 29th polls. Despite projections of declining support, Ramaphosa asserted that the ANC’s backing remains strong. Speaking to supporters while campaigning in Greytown, KZN, he said he was sure the party’s supporters would turn out in large numbers, to ensure a clear victory:

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has reported a smooth start to special voting abroad at nine South African missions. Special voting took place in Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad, and Teheran. Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo expressed gratitude to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Department of Home Affairs for their support. Voting will continue today at 102 missions, including two days in London due to a large voter population. Extended voting hours are also in place for Washington DC and New York.

# The DA says the Department of Agriculture is sluggish in responding to the foot and mouth disease outbreak in the Eastern Cape, a critical beef-producing region with high unemployment. The party says despite the disease being state-controlled, measures proposed by local agricultural bodies to control animal movement were dismissed. The DA’s Noko Masipa says the delay in response threatens the region’s economy, which is heavily dependent on beef production and faces high unemployment:

# Cricket: Nicholas Pooran was in excellent form as he blasted his way to an impressive half-century to set Lucknow Super Giants up for an 18-run win over the Mumbai Indians in their Indian Premier League match in Mumbai last night. The Super Giants, who were asked to bat first, scored 214 for six, before restricting the hosts to 196 for six. Mumbai Indians’ loss consigned them to a last-place finish in the 2024 season of the IPL. Lucknow closed their campaign in sixth position.

# And, finally: South Africa’s Grammy Award winner, Tyla, has been nominated for four BET awards, tying with Beyonce. Her nominations include Best Female R-and-B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, Viewer’s Choice Award, and Best International Act. Fellow South Africans Makhadzi and Focalistic also received nominations. Other African stars nominated include Burna Boy, Tems, and Davido. The BET Awards, celebrating black entertainers in music, film, sports, and philanthropy, will be held on June 30 in Los Angeles.

Stay tuned for more news………….