News 08:00

BULLETIN 24 May 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The security cluster says there are plans in place to ensure safe and secure elections
# Civil society groups are confident of free and fair elections
# And cricket: The Proteas lose their opening T20 against the West Indies

# The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster says it is ready to assist in resolving any challenges that could threaten the country’s ability to conduct incident-free elections. The government averted a planned national strike in the trucking industry last week, by agreeing to implement outstanding legislative and enforcement measures. Transport minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to prevent and combat any lawlessness, to assert the authority of the state without fear of favour.

# Civil society groups including Defend Our Democracy, Corruption Watch, and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, are confident that the elections will be free and fair. Defend Our Democracy is one of 150 independent Election Watch Observer groups accredited by the Electoral Commission. South Africans head to the polls next week on Wednesday. Former Justice Johann Kriegler says he is proud of South Africa’s democracy and society:

# ActionSA Johannesburg has welcomed the independent investigation into allegations against Pikitup officials. These are the officials who have been fingered for rigging employment processes, cadre deployment, and nepotism. ActionSA’s, Nobuhle Mthembu, says instead of addressing the workers’ plight, this uncaring administration under mayor Kabelo Gwamanda resorted to litigation and name-calling:

# United Nations secretary general António Guterres says peace is the key to unlocking Africa’s future and strengthening the continent’s voice and influence in building peace globally. He briefed the UN Security Council on strengthening the role of the African state in addressing global security and development challenges. Guterres says too many Africans are caught up in the hell of conflicts or living with the relentless danger of terrorism and violent extremism in their communities:

# Cricket: The West Indies defeated South Africa by 28 runs in the first T20 at Sabina Park, Jamaica. Interim captain Brandon King scored 79 off 45 balls as the host posted 175 for eight. In reply, Reeza Hendricks top-scored with a career-best 87 which was not enough, as the Proteas were bowled out for 147 with a ball to spare. This is the biggest margin with which the West Indies have defeated South Africa in this format. The second T20 will be played tomorrow.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-48-cents and the euro at 19-rand-98-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-46-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-829-dollars-98-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-330-dollars-29-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 81-dollars-37-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….