News 14:00

BULLETIN 8 May 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC will comply by the Constitutional Court’s judgment in the Phala Phala case
# The DA calls the decision a grave moment for the country
# And the United Nations’ high commissioner for Human Rights says South Africa’s Constitution is a beacon of hope

# The ANC will study and reflect on the Constitutional Court ruling declaring Parliament’s impeachment rule unconstitutional. The judgment relates to the Phala Phala controversy involving the theft of cash at president Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm. Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri says the ANC respects the rule of law and will comply with the court’s decision. She also defended Ramaphosa, saying the party still has confidence in his leadership despite renewed impeachment calls:

The DA says the apex court has made it clear Parliament must correct its rules, and the Section 89 report on the Phala Phala case must proceed to an impeachment committee. The DA describes the ruling as a grave moment for Parliament, the Presidency, and South Africa’s constitutional democracy. Party leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says the DA will participate fully and constructively in the impeachment committee.

Meanwhile, the United Nations’ high commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, says South Africa’s Constitution has given national expression to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights through law and democratic institutions. Today marks 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution. Türk says this is a democratic achievement of profound and enduring global significance:

# Golf: The first female captain in the centuries-old history of the Royal and Ancient Club at St Andrews in Scotland will take over the reigns in September. Claire Dowling will serve as captain for a one-year term after being nominated by previous captains. She was one of the first women to join the club when it opened membership for women 12-years ago after being men-only for 260-years. Dowling has served on the rules committee and the general committee after earlier playing for Great Britain and Ireland.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-38-cents and the euro at 19-rand-28-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-30-cents and Bitcoin trades at 79-thousand-958-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-722-dollars-19-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 98-dollars-28-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Insurance company Santam has partnered with the South African Weather Service to install nine automatic weather stations in six provinces. The initiative aims to strengthen weather forecasting and early warning systems as South Africa faces more frequent floods, storms, and fires linked to climate change. Officials say the new stations will help protect communities and reduce economic losses. The partnership also supports the United Nation’s Early Warnings for All initiative targeted for implementation by 2027.

Stay tuned for more news………….