News 08:00

BULLETIN 21 June 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa warns of the global fallout from the Israel-Iran conflict
# The Police arrest 201 suspects in a crackdown on gender-based violence
# And cricket: Tazmin Brits leads South Africa to victory

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran is having a devastating global impact, including rising fuel prices, economic instability, and the loss of lives. Ramaphosa warned that the world has become a more dangerous place due to the escalating tensions. He urged both countries to stop the attacks and resolve their differences, citing that peace-making is the only path to prevent a wider crisis:

Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, says his country will not resume talks over its nuclear programme while under attack, hours after Israel’s defence minister warned of a “prolonged” conflict with the Islamic Republic. Israel’s ambassador to the UN earlier accused Iran of having a genocidal agenda and posing an ongoing threat, adding that Israel would not stop targeting nuclear facilities until they were dismantled. Fighting raged into the night with the Israeli military announcing a new wave of attacks against Iranian missile storage and launch infrastructure after Iran launched missiles towards central Israel.

# The South African Reserve Bank governor, Lesetja Kganyago, has been officially installed as the 16th Chancellor of Stellenbosch University. The ceremony took place yesterday at the university’s Endler Hall, with dignitaries, staff, and students in attendance. Speaking at the ceremony, Kganyago said he is honoured to take on the role and called on the university to support transformation, diversity, and academic freedom. He urged the university to face its past and reject racism:

# The South African Police Service has intensified efforts against gender-based violence, arresting 201 rape suspects nationwide over the past week. Among them, 56 were wanted individuals. A couple in Bloubergstrand was arrested for the alleged sexual abuse of their young daughters. Police spokesperson, Amanda van Wyk, says convictions include serial rapist Lesley Mohlala, sentenced to 222 years, and multiple life sentences for child rapists. She emphasised the police’s commitment to removing sexual predators from communities:

# Cricket:  Tazmin Brits hit a sensational unbeaten 98 from 63 balls to set the South African Women’s team up for a commanding 50-run victory over West Indies Women in their T20I contest in Barbados on Friday night.  Brits was at the crease from the start to the finish of South Africa’s innings and led her side to 183 for six and was named Player of the Match for her performance. This is the South Africans’ highest score against the West Indies in T20 internationals.  South Africa now leads the three-match series 1-0.

# And finally, the University of Cape Town has jumped from 171 to 150 in the latest QS World University Rankings. Vice-Chancellor Mosa Moshabela hailed the rise as recognition of UCT’s real-world impact in research and teaching. UCT remains Africa’s highest-ranked university. Key strengths include global research networks, citations per faculty, and sustainability. Acting deputy vice-chancellor, Jeff Murugan, credited the rise to UCT’s focus on critical issues like climate resilience, artificial intelligence, and global research partnerships.

Stay tuned for more news………….