News 14:00

BULLETIN 27 May 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Two officials are suspended over fake references in the A-I document
# A magistrate is reported over the handling of Joe Sibanyoni’s extortion case
# And rugby: The All Blacks’ captain is out of the South African tour due to a back injury

# Two officials in the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies have been placed on precautionary suspension after using ChatGPT to draft South Africa’s national Artificial Intelligence policy without disclosure. The document contained fake academic references generated by A-I hallucinations and was subsequently withdrawn. Minister Solly Malatsi confirmed disciplinary action, while Parliament questioned internal oversight and the use of A-I in policy drafting. The department has appointed an expert panel to develop a revised, credible A-I policy framework.

# A formal complaint has been registered with the Magistrates’ Commission against the chief magistrate of Kwaggafontein in Mpumalanga, Tuletu Tonjeni, over her handling of the extortion case against taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago told Newzroom Afrika the prosecutor was wrongly found in contempt of court and an arrest warrant issued without a formal inquiry. He says security concerns should have been considered before making judgement:

# Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau says decarbonisation, diversification and digitalisation will form the foundation of South Africa’s new Industrial Development Strategy. Delivering his budget vote in Parliament, Tau said the cabinet-approved strategy aims to position the country as a leader in green economy while boosting exports, investment and job creation. In addition, government will support industries including steel, ferrochrome and automotive manufacturing through localisation, infrastructure investment and tariff protections. Tau maintains broad-based black economic empowerment remains a key economic policy.

# The South African National Christian Forum says there is a serious breakdown in non-profit organisation services at the Department of Social Development, affecting more than 500 churches. The organisation states that administrative failures are making it difficult for faith-based groups to operate and comply with the law. The forum’s president, Marothi Mashashane, says churches play a key role in supporting vulnerable communities but are being held back by administrative failures:

# Rugby: The All Blacks will have to tour South Africa without their captain, Scott Barrett. A back injury will keep him out for up to five months. The coach of Barrett’s Crusaders team, Rob Penney, says the veteran of 88 Tests has tried every non-invasive procedure available, but eventually realised surgery was the only option. New Zealand will visit South Africa from August for three Tests against the Springboks and four midweek matches, followed by a fourth Test against the world champions in America.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-32-cents and the euro at 19-rand-1-cent. One British pound costs 21-rand-94-cents and Bitcoin trades at 75-thousand-773-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-484-dollars-88-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 93-dollars-35-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….