News 13:00

BULLETIN 13 June 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Commissioner Masemola says police are considering progressing ten-thousand constables and sergeants to higher ranks
# Government is monitoring a new Covid-19 variant emerging in parts of Asia
# And roadrunning: Over ten-thousand athletes are expected for the Mandela Day Walk and Run in Johannesburg

# National police commissioner Fannie Masemola says from 2018 to 2023, more than 57-thousand police officials have progressed to higher ranks. He briefed the nation on human resources-related priorities within the police in Pretoria. Masemola says for this financial year, they are considering progressing ten-thousand constables and sergeants that are more than eleven years in their current ranks. He adds an additional one-thousand warrant officers will also be considered to be progressed to a higher salary band:

# The minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says government is closely monitoring the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant, Nimbus, which has been reported in parts of Asia. She assures the public that while the variant has not been detected in South Africa, the Department of Health remains vigilant. Ntshavheni has urged the public not to panic but to remain cautious by continuing to follow basic health measures:

# The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority is warning the public to beware of fake licences being used by unethical providers. Spokesperson Yuven Gounden says these forged documents pose a serious risk to public health and safety. Concerns are also rising over cannabis dispensaries falsely claiming authorisation. Gounden urges the public to verify licences via its website or official channels, warning offenders of legal action:

# Roadrunning: This year’s Mandela Day Walk and Run is taking place at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on the 19th of July. Over ten-thousand athletes are expected to participate over three distances. It is inspired by a route the late former president once walked in Houghton. The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s CEO, Mbongiseni Buthelezi, told eNCA the event aims to honour his legacy of unity and service:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-95-cents and the euro at 20-rand-70-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-33-cents and Bitcoin trades at 104-thousand-604-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-422-dollars-61-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-8-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Vergelegen Estate White 2023 has been crowned the best South African white wine at the prestigious 2025 International Wine Challenge. The globally respected competition praised the vintage from Somerset West in Cape Town for its elegance, minerality, and vibrant flavours. Managing director Wayne Coetzer says Vergelegen’s victory showcases the excellence of local winemakers and cements South Africa’s place on the world wine stage. He hails the award as a tribute to the team’s passion and dedication from vineyard to bottle.

Stay tuned for more news………….