News 13:00

BULLETIN 18 June 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa urges global leaders to prioritise funding for the after-effects of climate change
# Former president Edgar Lungu’s remains are repatriated to Zambia
# And athletics: Usain Bolt is officially named a Guinness World Records Icon

# President Cyril Ramaphosa, wrapping up his G7 visit in Canada, urged global leaders to prioritise funding for climate change impacts like floods. He highlighted South Africa’s Just Energy Transition and readiness to host the upcoming G20 summit. Ramaphosa stressed the need for financial support to address the after-effects of recurring climate-related disasters, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape:

# Build One South Africa says the government of national unity’s first year in office has exposed its true character – not a unity project for the people, but a power-sharing pact among political elites. BOSA has provided a high-level review of the GNU’s performance during its first year in office, assessing progress in the economy, basic education, crime and safety, and effective government. Spokesperson Roger Solomons says the GNU has received a 40-percent grading on its assessment:

# The mortal remains of former Zambian president Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who died in Pretoria earlier this month, will be repatriated today. A family feud with president Hakainde Hichilema delayed the process, with Lungu reportedly instructing that Hichilema not allowed be near his body. The two were long-time political rivals. Zambia’s secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, confirmed Lungu’s body will arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport today. It will lie in state at his private residence before public viewing at Mulungushi International Conference Centre from tomorrow to Saturday.

# Athletics: The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, has officially been named a Guinness World Records Icon. The former Jamaican sprinter was given the honour for his achievements in the sport and for being a global inspiration. His 9.58-seconds is the fastest anyone in the world has run over 100-metres, while his time of 9.63-seconds at the Games in London in 2012 is also an unbeaten Olympic record. Bolt says he is honoured to receive this accolade:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-5-cents and the euro at 20-rand-77-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-30-cents and Bitcoin trades at 105-thousand-63-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-383-dollars-25-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-35-cents a barrel.

# And finally: A landmark case to free elephants from Johannesburg Zoo has gained international support. At the heart of the case is the claim that keeping elephants in the zoo violates the Constitution, particularly the environmental rights provision. Legal scholars from Harvard Law School in the US have joined the case as friends of the court. The scholars agree with the argument that the confinement of three elephants, Lammie, Mopane and Ramadiba, compromises their mental, emotional and physical well-being. The zoo says the animals receive adequate care and attention.

Stay tuned for more news………….