News 13:00

BULLETIN 22 May 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The FF Plus is open to coalition agreements in all provinces but not with ANC, EFF or MK Party
# Transnet opens Western Cape stations to private bidders
# And rugby: Rassie Erasmus says the alignment camp’s goals have been achieved

# Freedom Front Plus leader Corné Mulder says coalitions are unavoidable ahead of November’s local government elections, and the party is exploring coalition options nationwide. Mulder was speaking in Centurion, where he ruled out working with the ANC, the EFF, and the MK Party at municipal level. He told the SABC although they remain part of the government of national unity, it doesn’t function as a true coalition:

# Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager has invited private companies to bid for the lease, development and operation of three station facilities in the Western Cape. The project includes Dal Josafat, Huguenot and Bitterfontein stations under a minimum ten-year lease agreement. Successful bidders will refurbish and maintain station precincts, including warehouses and retail buildings. CEO Moshe Motlohi says the initiative aims to improve service delivery and unlock economic value through private sector participation. Bid submissions close on June 23.

# Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has appointed MEC for Agriculture, Rural and Economic Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, as acting premier. Ramokgopa will serve in the role until Monday, while Lesufi is out of the province. The appointment is in line with the Constitution. The Gauteng government says Ramokgopa will assume all responsibilities, powers and duties of the premier’s office to ensure the smooth running of provincial government operations.

Moving abroad:

# US secretary of State, Marco Rubio, says there are some good signs a deal to end the Iranian war could be in sight. Pakistan and other regional allies are working on a diplomatic resolution. The Strait of Hormuz, which is a conduit for one-fifth of global oil exports, has effectively been blocked by Iran since February. Rubio says any diplomatic deal would be unfeasible if Iran imposes a toll on the strait:

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says their latest alignment camp in Cape Town was a success, with players fully aligned with the structures and systems. The squad comprised 40 players, including ten uncapped players. Another training camp will be held next month in preparation for the season-opening double-header between the Springboks and the Barbarians, and the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe. Erasmus says most of the camp’s goals have been achieved:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-48-cents and the euro at 19-rand-12-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-13-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-213-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-519-dollars-28-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 102-dollars-67-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….