News 14:00

BULLETIN 21 February 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa invites his Ukrainian counterpart for a state visit to South Africa
# KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng lead in murder statistics, while the Western Cape remains a hotspot for gang-related killings
# And cricket: An injured Heinrich Klaasen is replaced by Ryan Rickelton in the Proteas’ team against Afghanistan

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has invited Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit following global diplomatic engagements. Their discussion comes amid tensions with US president Donald Trump, who recently called Zelensky a dictator. Ramaphosa emphasised the need for an inclusive peace process in Ukraine. Zelensky thanked South Africa for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, stating that South Africa’s voice matters. The proposed visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and discuss pathways to a just and lasting peace.

# KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng recorded the highest number of murders, contributing 21-percent and 25-percent of national cases. The Western Cape accounted for 17-percent and remains the epicentre of gang violence, with 263 gang-related killings from 1 October to 31 December last year. The Eastern Cape also saw a significant share of murders at 18.9-percent. Releasing the latest crime statistics, Police minister Senzo Mchunu said stronger policing and community partnerships are needed to curb violent crime:

Meanwhile, deputy ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster have welcomed the South African Law Reform Commission’s publication of discussion papers on reviewing the Criminal Procedure Act. The review aims to address issues on arrest, bail, alternative dispute resolution, and victim participation. The public is encouraged to submit inputs by 31 March. Deputy minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Andries Nel emphasised the importance of an inclusive, victim-centered justice system. The discussion papers are available online for public engagement.

# Cricket: South Africa’s Champions Trophy campaign suffered an early blow when star batter Heinrich Klaasen was ruled ouf of today’s opening match against Afghanistan in Karachi. He sustained an elbow injury, but it’s not yet sure how long he will be out. Klaasen was replaced by Ryan Rickelton, who opened the batting together with Tony de Zorzi after captain Temba Bavuma won the toss. Keshav Maharaj is the Proteas’ only spinner, while Afghanistan opted for three spinners – Noor Ahmed, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-35-cents and the euro at 19-rand-21-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-22-cents and Bitcoin trades at 98-thousand-510-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-929-dollars-52-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-52-cents a barrel.

# And finally: A groundbreaking auction of iconic Hollywood stage and screen looks, Give A Frock LA, is running bids online until next Tuesday. This initiative, spearheaded by celebrity stylist Lindsey Hartman, is aiming to raise funds for those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Celebrities including Cher, Pamela Anderson, Charli XCX, Kelly Rowland, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter have donated outfits. Hartman says the auction is a powerful testament to the entertainment industry’s commitment to its community:

Stay tuned for more news………….