News 11:00

BULLETIN 6 May 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Business Leadership SA says the only way forward is to reduce state expenditure
# The Special Investigation Unit’s head supports an anti-corruption body
# And the UN chief is concerned by Israel’s plan to expand its military offensive in Gaza

# Business Leadership South Africa says if the country wants to achieve sustainable public spending, growth that generates government revenue is needed. Finance minister Enoch Godongwana is set to table the national budget in Parliament for the third time on the 21st. BLSA’s CEO, Busiswe Mavuso, told Newzroom Afrika while it is good that the budget is subject to democratic interrogation, government must show they have the political bravery to make decisions that won’t please everyone:

# Special Investigating Unit head, Andy Mothibi, supports the establishment of an independent, anti-corruption body. The DA has tabled the Constitution Twenty-First Amendment Bill in Parliament, which seeks to introduce an Anti-Corruption Commission as an independent, Chapter 9 institution. The commission will focus solely on investigating and prosecuting serious corruption cases. Mothibi says an independent body will almost restructure the anti-corruption architecture in the country, and strengthen its capability.

# The GOOD Party in the Western Cape says with today being the first anniversary of the George building collapse, it’s a reminder that time has not brought the justice or accountability the victims’ families deserve. On this day last year, 34 people were killed when a five-storey development collapsed. Public Works and Infrastructure minister, Dean Macpherson, will lead a memorial ceremony in the city today. GOOD’s Chantelle Kyd says a year later, the scars are still fresh, investigations have been delayed, and reports withheld:

# United Nations secretary general António Guterres says he is alarmed that Israel plans to expand ground operations in Gaza. Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas, which includes the capture of Gaza and the holding of its territory. The cabinet also approved, in principle, a plan to deliver aid through private companies. UN deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, says this will inevitably lead to countless more civilians being killed:

# Motorsport: Formula One team, Alpine, is reportedly considering dropping Jack Doohan from the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola in Italy. The 22-year-old rookie is yet to score points this season. The Australian was forced to retire from the Miami Grand Prix after a collision with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson. Pierre Gasly has scored all seven of Alpine’s 2025 points so far. Reserve driver Franco Colapinto, who raced for Williams in nine races last year, is reportedly set to replace Doohan.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-26-cents and the euro at 20-rand-68-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-29-cents and Bitcoin trades at 94-thousand-478-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-368-dollars-16-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 61-dollars-46-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….