News 13:00

BULLETIN 17 May 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# John Steenhuisen criticises the Afrikaner emigration to the USA
# Mlungisi Cele is appointed as the new director-general of the Department of  Science, Technology and Innovation 
# And rugby: The Sharks bite back to snatch victory from a determined Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championships

# 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:

# Deputy Trade and Industry minister Zuko Godlimpi has underscored the importance of the Transformation Fund in supporting Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises. He says the fund addresses key challenges like limited access to finance, a major hurdle for SMMEs in South Africa. The initiative also aims to boost black-owned and managed enterprises through both financial and non-financial support, enhancing their participation in the economy:

# Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has announced Mlungisi Cele as the new director-general of Science, Technology and Innovation Department, effective 1 June, 2025. Cele, an accomplished academic and policy expert with over 20 years’ experience, previously served as CEO of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and acting deputy director-general for Technology Innovation. Nzimande praised his strategic expertise and called for public science sector support to reposition the department for national priorities.

# The Public Servants Association is outraged after the Gauteng Provincial Government failed to spend 1.8-billion-rand of its 2023/24 budget. The PSA says this is a betrayal of public trust, especially while hospitals face shortages, schools are overcrowded, and infrastructure decays. The union demands answers from the Finance MEC Lebogang Maile, and calls for an urgent inquiry and consequence management. The association insists every unspent rand is a lost opportunity to serve the people. It warns that future budgets must prioritise frontline services.

# Rugby: The Sharks grabbed a 18-17 win in a incredible URC clash over Edinburg in the Scottish capital last night. Edinburgh were leading 17-13 in the final quarter when Springbok winger Makazole Mapimpi scored a try to secure a victory at the last moment. Just before the final whistle Edinburgh replacement back Jack Brown looked to score but he was brilliantly held-up over the try line by right wing Ethan Hooker and Mapimpi. Edinburgh was leading 10-6 at half time. The Sharks, who are fourth on the URC points log, are now only one point behind the third placed Bulls.

# And finally soccer: Manchester City will hope to end their topsy-turvy season on a high when they take on Crystal Palace in the final of the FA Cup at the Wembley Stadium this afternoon. But head coach Oliver Glasner has rejuvenated Crystal Palace. The Eagles defeated some tough teams, including Millwall, Fulham, and a dominant 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semifinals. Palace will be competing in the FA Cup final for the third time. In their previous appearances, in 1990 and 2016, they finished runners-up to the Manchester team. Kick off is at 4.30 pm.

Stay tuned for more news………….