News 08:00

BULLETIN 19 May 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# RISE Mzansi hosts its people’s rally
# Rugby: Libbok paves the way for a crucial Stormers win
# And, Cape Town mayor offers prayers as 11 fishermen remain missing after their trawler capsised 

# Over five-thousand RISE Mzansi volunteers, supporters, organisers and leaders will assemble at Ruimsig Stadium in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, today for the RISEPeoplesRally. National spokesperson, Gugu Ndima, says this event marks the culmination of a year-long mobilisation effort ahead of the elections. Ndima says national leader Songezo Zibi will deliver a keynote address, concluding with the signing of the People’s Contract:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 1 for the late retired justice Yvonne Mokgoro, who passed away at 73. The national flag is being flown at half-mast until her funeral on Thursday. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says Mokgoro was one of the first justices of the Constitutional Court:

# Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings has opted to keep South Africa’s credit ratings unchanged following a scheduled review. The US-based credit rating agency cited expectations of growth from private sector power generation, counter-balanced by concerns over Transnet’s challenges, which may dampen economic prospects. Despite escalating state debt, the rating company emphasised South Africa’s strengths, including a flexible exchange rate and a credible central bank. Additionally, Treasury sources suggest a potential achievement of a primary budget surplus for the first time in 15 years.

# Rugby: The Stormers took a decisive step towards United Rugby Championship playoff participation and Champions Cup qualification with a tight 16-12 win over Connacht in their penultimate league match in Galway last night. It was the Stormers’ second successive win on the road after beating the Dragons last week. In Durban, a red card for Sharks flanker Timo Mavesere 19 minutes into their URC match against Welsh side Cardiff, proved to be costly as the team produced a disjointed performance to go down 36-14 at home.

# And, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has called for prayers for the families of eleven fishermen still missing at sea after a trawler capsised off the coast on Friday. The National Sea Rescue Institute and other rescue services continue to search for the missing fishermen. The NSRI confirmed nine fishermen were rescued uninjured. Hill-Lewis says the city will continue to offer support and hopes for a safe recovery:

Stay tuned for more news………….