News 11:00

BULLETIN 17 May 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# John Steenhuisen criticises the Afrikaner emigration to the USA
# OUTA warns against a repeat of SETA mismanagement and corruption
# And in motorsport: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc lament Ferrari’s problems on its home track

# DA leader John Steenhuisen has criticised Afrikaners who emigrated to the US under a refugee programme, calling it a bad choice. Steenhuisen says the US to confer refugee status to 49 Afrikaner South Africans is misinformed, as they do not fit the definition of refugees. He also questioned their legitimacy as farmers while emphasising the importance of retaining all farmers to support the agricultural sector:

Steenhuisen meanwhile remains optimistic about trade talks with the US. He is one of four ministers accompanying president Cyril Ramaphosa when they visit the Whitehouse next Wednesday. Steenhuisen warns that a proposed 30-percent tariff on South African exports could harm competitiveness, saying such duties may effectively shut South Africa out of the US market, especially for citrus and wine. He emphasised the government is pushing for favourable terms to protect market access and avoid economic fallout for key agricultural sectors:

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse warns against a repeat of mismanagement and corruption in the Sector Education and Training Authorities, following the withdrawal of politically connected board chairperson appointments. The organisation says the skills development sector has long suffered from poor oversight, financial mismanagement, and looting. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage urges business, academia, and civil society to nominate ethical and capable individuals for the vacant positions:

# Police are investigating an armed robbery targeting an investigator linked to the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. The investigator, traveling in a state vehicle, was ambushed in Lombardy East, Johannesburg. He escaped after suspects attempted to force him into a boot of their car. The suspects fled with a state firearm, USB drives, and copies of case documents. Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed no sensitive evidence was taken and insists the trial remains unaffected. The motive remains under investigation.

# Motorsport: Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc complained of a lack of pace and braking difficulties yesterday after finishing sixth and eleventh on their home circuit in opening practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Imola. Leclerc complained about  problems with his helmet and his car’s braking while seven-time world champion Hamilton, also grumbled about braking problems. It is a critical weekend for Ferrari as they seek a second podium finish of the year and a revival of the momentum that carried them to a serious challenge for the constructors’ title last year.

# And finally golf: Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas maintained his lead after round 2 at the US PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in North Carolina. Vegas carded a one-under 70 in his second round yesterday to move to eight under par, two shots clear of England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, France’s Matthieu Pavon and Kim Si-woo of South Korea. Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Garrick Higgo are leading the charge for South Africa and are lying joint seventh and carded 4 under, 69 and 68 respectively.

Stay tuned for more news………….