News 14:00

BULLETIN 17 May 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Israel accuses South Africa of being a Hamas ally in the ICJ dispute
# An association calls for improved public participation and education in the Tobacco Bill process 
# And soccer: Brazil will host the women’s World Cup in 2027 

# Israel claims South Africa is a Hamas ally and distorts facts. Representing its arguments at the International Court of Justice at The Hague in the Netherlands, Israel denies accusations of blocking aid to Gaza and closing border crossings, calling South Africa’s allegations baseless and repulsive. Israel’s Foreign Ministry advisor, Tamar Kaplan Tourgeman, insists a robust legal system ensures humanitarian aid compliance. She criticised South Africa for not addressing Hamas’s role:

Meanwhile, a former Hamas hostage and Fair Planet founder, Shoshan Haran ,has appealed to the United Nations Security Council to intervene in the release of hostages in the Gaza conflict. Speaking at an informal meeting in New York convened by the US, Haran urged for the release of 128 unaccounted hostages. Haran, held for 50 days, highlighted the urgent need for international action as her son-in-law is still held hostage:

# The Vapour Products Association of South Africa urges improved public engagement and education regarding the ongoing Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. Concerns arise from recent public hearings’ shortcomings, including insufficient understanding of the bill’s provisions and logistical challenges. The association’s CEO, Asanda Gcoyi, supports tabling the bill at the National Economic Development and Labour Council for inclusive deliberations:

# Soccer: Brazil was announced as host nation for 2027’s women’s World Cup, beating the joint bid of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. World governing body Fifa voted between the two bids in Bangkok, Thailand, this morning. Hundred-and-19 of the delegates voted for Brazil and 78 for the European bid. Brazil also scored higher in Fifa’s evaluation report. The country plans to use ten stadiums used for the men’s World Cup in 2014. This will be the first time the women’s tournament will be held in South America.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-26-cents and the euro at 19-rand-81-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-11-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-260-dollars-19-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-382-dollars-92-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 83-dollars-30-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The council of the University of Cape Town has appointed a senior academic from the University of KwaZulu-Natal as the institution’s new vice-chancellor. Professor Mosa Moshabela, who has a medical background, is currently acting deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Innovation at the Durban institution. He succeeds Mamokgethi Phakeng, who was placed on special leave and then on early retirement last year. This followed shortly after the appointment of an independent panel to investigate allegations of mismanagement and abuse of power against her.

Stay tuned for more news………….