News 13:00

BULLETIN 23 June 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The police deploy a task team to probe the weekend’s political killings
# Namibia dismisses an appeal by Starlink against the rejection of its licence applications
# And rugby: A South African-born centre is one of five uncapped players in England’s Nations Championship squad

# Police deployed its political killings task team to investigate four murders involving political party members during the voter registration weekend. Acting commissioner Puleng Dimpane says the cases include the killing of a DA by-election candidate in Cape Town, an ANC councillor in the Eastern Cape, and two MK Party members on the Gauteng West Rand. She says all victims were attacked while returning from voter registration activities. Investigations are ongoing.

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed the strong political trust and historic solidarity that continues to underpin relations between South Africa and China within the framework of all-round strategic cooperation. He had a bilateral meeting with China’s vice president Han Zheng today as part of his working visit to the country. Mashatile says South Africa is committed to building sustainable partnerships with Chinese private and state-linked enterprises:

# Namibia’s Communications Regulatory Authority has dismissed an appeal by trillionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink against the rejection of its license applications. The application to provide fixed satellite services was rejected in March for failing to comply with local ownership rules. Namibian law bars telecommunications licensees from being controlled by foreign individuals or companies, limiting ownership to 49-percent, unless an exemption is approved. Cirrus Capital economist Oliver Diggle says this is a significant blow for Namibia:

# Rugby: England coach Steve Borthwick has named five uncapped players, including South African-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg, in his 36-man squad for the inaugural Nations Championship. The 27-year-old will not be available for the opening Test against the Springboks on 4 July, as his three-year residency period only comes into effect after that date. Scrumhalf Alex Mitchell returns to the international side after injury. England will also face Fiji and Argentina. Borthwick says the squad is a good blend of experience and emerging talent.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-47-cents and the euro at 18-rand-79-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-78-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-433-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-112-dollars-67-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 76-dollars-82-cents a barrel.

# And finally: SANParks says the Kgodumodumo dinosaur interpretation centre in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State already welcomed over 100-thousand visitors as it celebrates its first anniversary. Since opening on 22 June last year, the centre has attracted over 101-thousand visitors, including over 40-thousand learners and educators from 272 schools. The attraction showcases Africa’s prehistoric heritage through interactive exhibits and fossil displays. SANParks spokesperson JP Louw says it boosted local tourism, created jobs, and generated economic opportunities for surrounding communities.

Stay tuned for more news………….