News 11:00

BULLETIN 22 May 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Gun Free SA criticises political parties for neglecting gun control
# A report shows Pfizer bullied South Africa in their Covid-19 vaccine negotiations
# And rugby: Springbok fullback Damian Willemse is ruled out for about four months

# Gun Free South Africa says addressing gun-related crime must be a priority for any political party if they are serious about making the country safe for all who live in it. On average 24 legal guns enter the illegal market every day. Gun Free SA director, Adèle Kirsten, says while almost all major political parties include addressing violent crime as a key feature in their election manifestos, most don’t mention gun control:

# The Health Justice Institute says it is evident that big pharmaceutical companies will exploit health emergencies to coerce governments into accepting unreasonable agreements on the supply of life-saving medicines. The institute released its second report on previously secret Covid-19 vaccine deals by the Health Department. The advocacy group says documents show that government unsuccessfully pushed back against many of the terms demanded by Pfizer. The institute says South Africa was ultimately forced to pay a premium and bear the risk of any delays or harm.

# Johannesburg’s waste management company, Pikitup, has obtained an interdict against striking workers. Casual workers whose contracts with the company are about to expire have been protesting since last week Monday, demanding permanent jobs. The strike has affected operations at depots including Norwood, Selby, Marlboro, Randburg, and Diepsloot. Pikitup’s spokesperson, Muzi Mkhwanazi, says they are committed to engaging with disgruntled workers.

# The United Nations has suspended food distribution in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This is due to a lack of supplies and an untenable security situation caused by Israel’s expanding military operation. The crisis in humanitarian supplies has worsened in the two weeks since Israel launched an incursion into Rafah on the sixth of this month, vowing to root out Hamas fighters. The UN’s Scott Anderson says they are now re-evaluating logistics and security measures in Gaza:

# Rugby: The Stormers and Springboks will be without the services of utility back Damian Willemse for about four months. He injured his finger ligaments during the victory over Connacht, which secured the Stormers’ place in the United Rugby Championship playoffs. He is expected to undergo surgery tomorrow. Willemse will miss the rest of the URC season as well as the Springboks’ June and July Tests and the Rugby Championship.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-11-cents and the euro at 19-rand-67-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-11-cents and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-814-dollars-62-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-416-dollars-91-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-6-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….