News 07:00

BULLETIN 6 June 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC sets its premiers’ nomination process in motion
# Cosatu applauds the ANC’s anti-corruption measures following Zizi Kodwa’s resignation
# And cricket: India starts their T20 World Cup campaign with a comfortable victory

# The ANC has kickstarted premier nominations following the election results. On Monday extended sessions of its Provincial Executive Committees were convened to nominate candidates for premierships in provinces where the ANC gained a majority or is likely to lead a coalition government. Each committee proposed three candidates, including two women. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri says the final candidates will undergo interviews with announcements expected early next week:

# Union federation Cosatu has welcomed the resignation of Sport, Arts and Culture minister, Zizi Kodwa, following his arrest on charges of receiving 1.6-million-rand in bribes. This resignation marks the second high-profile corruption case after former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula faced similar charges. The federation applauds the ANC’s step-aside principle and increasing political accountability. Cosatu’s spokesperson Zanele Sabela is encouraged by the ANC’s commitment to tackling corruption:

# Western Cape premier Alan Winde and MEC Reagen Allen have called on Police minister Bheki Cele to release the overdue fourth-quarter crime statistics. Originally due on 17 May, Allen suspects a deliberate delay, especially given recent mass shootings in the Cape Metro. He emphasised the importance of holistic data assessment to fully understand the province’s crime situation:

# The Eastern Cape High Court has granted premier Oscar Mabuyane an interim interdict to stop the Special Investigating Unit from probing his academic affairs. This comes after the SIU’s legal team delayed producing records contained in its investigation into the premier’s involvement in allegations of academic fraud at the University of Fort Hare. Mabuyane is accused of trying to fake his way into a PhD in public administration. The SIU, which has been directed to pay the costs of Mabuyane’s application, says it is exploring all legal options.

# India’s prime minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata party have received the backing of its political allies, the National Democratic Alliance. Modi found himself reliant on the NDA’s smaller parties to reach a parliamentary majority after his party fell short of the 272 needed to form the next government. The alliance says they have unanimously chosen Modi as their leader, reaffirming its commitment to serving the deprived and oppressed citizens of India.

# Cricket: India defeated Ireland by eight wickets in their T20 World Cup opener in New York. Hardik Pandya claimed three wickets while Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah took two each, as Ireland was dismissed for 96. In reply, captain Rohit Sharma retired hurt on 52 and Rishabh Pant unbeaten on 36, as India reached the target with over seven overs to spare. Today, there are four games, Papua New Guinea plays Uganda, Australia against Oman, co-hosts USA face Pakistan and Namibia takes on Scotland.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-89-cents and the euro at 20-rand-58-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-20-cents and Bitcoin trades at 71-thousand-205-dollars-85-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-368-dollars-58-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-70-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….