News 14:00

BULLETIN 28 May 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Public Protector probes 119-million-rand tenders linked to Tshwane’s deputy mayor
# The US considers mandatory social media vetting for foreign student visa applicants
# And Namibia holds its first national commemoration of the German genocide

# The Public Protector has launched an investigation into multimillion-rand tenders awarded to a company formerly owned by Tshwane’s deputy mayor and ANC regional chairperson, Eugene Modise. According to News24, the DA requested the probe, alleging Modise still benefits from Triotic Protection Services, which secured contracts worth 119-million-rand from ANC-led municipalities. Modise denies any involvement, claiming he sold his shares. The Public Protector confirmed the probe, focusing on possible maladministration and abuse of power, is in its early stages.

# The Citrus Growers’ Association has welcomed government’s 51-billion-rand guarantee for Transnet and recent progress on private sector participation. With the 2025 citrus season nearing peak weeks, the association’s CEO, Boitshoko Ntshabele, says smooth logistics are crucial as Southern Africa targets exports of over 171-million cartons. Transnet has added staff, equipment, and reefer maintenance. Ntshabele says while personal share portfolio momentum is promising, the association urges faster rail access and port upgrades to meet the goal of 100-thousand new jobs by 2032.

# The United States is reportedly considering mandatory social media vetting for all foreign student visa applicants. It suggests embassies and consulates have been instructed to pause new student visa interviews, potentially delaying processing for international students. If implemented, the move could affect thousands planning to study in the US, raising concerns about privacy and access to education amid tightening immigration scrutiny. The State Department’s Tammy Bruce has not confirmed or denied the report:

# Soccer: Banyana Banyana midfielder, Amogelang Motau, says their participation in the three-nation series against Botswana and Zambia is good preparation for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa will host Botswana in the opening fixture at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria this afternoon. Motau says they are working towards achieving a good blend between senior and junior players in these international friendlies:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-87-cents and the euro at 20-rand-26-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-16-cents and Bitcoin trades at 108-thousand-506-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-319-dollars-94-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-1-cent a barrel.

# And finally: Namibia is holding its first national Genocide Remembrance Day today to honour victims of the 1904 to 1908 mass killings by German colonial forces. Tens of thousands of Herero and Nama people were massacred in what is widely recognised as the first genocide of the 20th century. The event, declared a national holiday, includes a candlelight vigil and a minute of silence. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is leading the ceremony, marking a national journey of healing and reflection.

Stay tuned for more news………….