News 11:00

BULLETIN 28 April 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The United Nations Secretary-General is concerned about recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa
# The suspect in the White House shooting will face additional charges
# And athletics: The Simbine Classic marks South Africa’s first World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting

# United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concern at reports of xenophobic attacks and acts of harassment and intimidation against migrants and foreign nationals in KwaZulu‑Natal and the Eastern Cape. Recent anti-immigrant protests turned violent. Guterres says individuals inciting violence and exploiting socio-economic conditions must be held accountable. He adds that violence, vigilantism, and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights.

# Stellenbosch Business School professor Armand Bam says South Africa has not done enough to address structural inequalities rooted in apartheid. Speaking to SABC News, Bam highlighted disparities in wealth and leadership, noting that a small percentage holds the majority of wealth while many remain in poverty. Bam says over 70-percent of leadership roles are still held by white men. He stresses the need for evidence-based solutions to end inequality:

# The National Union of Mineworkers says it will aggressively pursue the legal route to ensure that the National Prosecuting Authority acts on inquiry findings into mine fatalities. South Africa’s mining industry recorded 41 fatalities in 2025, the lowest on record. A major tragedy this year saw a mud rush incident at the Ekapa diamond mine in Kimberley claim the lives of five workers. NUM says all findings and safety recommendations arising from Section 72 inquiries must be implemented immediately to prevent the recurrence of similar tragedies.

Moving abroad:

# US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, has confirmed additional charges will be brought against the suspect in the weekend’s shooting incident in the White House, Cole Tomas Allen. The 31-year-old has been charged with three federal crimes: an attempt to assassinate the US president, transportation of firearms to commit a felony, and unlawful discharge of a firearm during violence. Pirro says political violence will not be tolerated:

# Athletics: The inaugural Simbine Classic begins at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria today, marking the country’s first World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting. South African sprinter Akani Simbine says the event gives local athletes a chance to earn ranking points and compete globally at home. He highlighted gaps in grassroots development to SABC News, urging more investment in disadvantaged communities to unlock talent and inspire future champions to access sporting programmes:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-61-cents and the euro at 19-rand-42-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-43-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-669-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-637-dollars-67-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 103-dollars-45-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….