News 11:00

BULLETIN 29 May 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to receive the Madlanga Commission’s second interim report today
# The SANDF dismisses false reports of deployment in anticipation of a protest against illegal foreign nationals
# And, the Trump administration is escalating pressure on Iran’s airline network

# The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is expected to hand over its second interim report to president Cyril Ramaphosa today. The commission was established in September last year, following allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system. It has so far heard testimony from 60 witnesses, and its second interim report is expected to focus on drug cartels and the illicit movement of narcotics. The commission will hand over its final comprehensive report at the end of August. It will resume its hearings on Monday.

# The South African National Defence Force says reports suggesting soldiers will be deployed in anticipation of planned marches and protest action next month are false and misleading. The anti-illegal-immigration group March and March is planning a shutdown on June 30th, calling for the immediate and mass deportation of illegal immigrants currently living in South Africa. SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini, says it appreciates that the constitution allows peaceful protest marches:

# The IFP says the killing of public representatives, particularly ahead of the Local Government Elections in November, is both tragic and deeply concerning for South Africa’s democracy. This follows the murder of the party’s Rand West City Local Municipality councillor, Mbuso Mzwandile Mthimkhulu, in Gauteng yesterday evening. The 46-year-old was shot dead during a community meeting in Bekkersdal. IFP spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, says the party unequivocally condemns this senseless act of violence:

# US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, says the administration is escalating pressure on Iran’s airline network, as part of broader sanctions enforcement tied to nuclear negotiations. The US and Iran are reportedly close to reaching a deal which would include extending the ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and negotiating on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Bessent has warned that any company or country helping Iranian state-owned airlines operate could face sanctions themselves:

# Cricket: A place in Sunday’s final of the Indian Premier League is at stake in today’s second qualifier between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals in New Chandigarh. Titans finished second on the log, but lost by 92 runs to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Tuesday’s first qualifier. Fourth-placed Rajasthan beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in Wednesday’s eliminator, when teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 97 runs off just 29 balls. Today’s winner will face RCB in the title match in Ahmedabad.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-20-cents and the euro at 18-rand-88-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-77-cents and Bitcoin trades at 73-thousand-677-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-519-dollars-70-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 91-dollars-24-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….