News 12:00

BULLETIN 23 May 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The US’ research funding cuts have plunged South African universities into crisis
# Gauteng secures over 320-billion-rand during an investment conference
# And cricket: Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation is included in India’s Under 19 touring squad

# The US government’s research funding cuts have plunged South African universities into a crisis, with 44 programmes worth 2.5-billion-rand affected. The Wits Health Consortium says it requires 1.8-billion-rand from the National Treasury to replace all current US grants over the next three to four years. The University of Cape Town says without intervention, it stands to lose over 437-million-rand in research funding in the next 12 months. The North West University has had five projects worth 5.4-million-rand terminated. The Department of Higher Education says this matter has been escalated to the Presidency.

# The Gauteng government has secured over 320-billion-rand at the Gauteng Investment Conference. The funds will support job creation and development across the province. Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed that most investments come from BRICS nations. He pledged to use the money effectively. Lesufi adds that Gauteng will soon resemble a construction site, as projects roll out. He thanked investors for backing the province’s vision for growth and transformation.

# The Limpopo Department of Health is pursuing charges of misconduct against a medical doctor, who allegedly attempted to rape a pregnant patient at George Masebe Hospital. The incident occurred in a sonar room during an abdominal ultrasound process. The department’s spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, says the doctor will also be subjected to a disciplinary hearing:

# Cricket: Rajasthan Royals’ explosive teenagter batter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, will represent India at youth level after being named in the Under 19 squad for a multi-format tour of England. The 14-year-old became the youngest to score a century in men’s T20s last month when he reached the milestone from only 35 balls – smashing 11 sixes and seven fours. Suryavanshi has already scored 252 runs in seven matches for Rajasthan. The tour of England includes five one-day matches and two multi-day encounters.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-86-cents and the euro at 20-rand-26-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-10-cents and Bitcoin trades at 110-thousand-804-dollars-14-cents. Gold sells at three-thousand-327-dollars-49-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-45-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The South African Police Service honoured long-serving members during a ceremony in Tshwane, celebrating dedication and ongoing efforts to protect the country. Medals were awarded to members who have between 10 and 30 years of service. Brigadier Johana Mokwena, who was celebrated for her loyal service, told the SABC she wants to motivate junior officials:

Stay tuned for more news………….