News 14:00

BULLETIN 30 July 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cabinet reassures South Africans amid American visa claims
# South Africa records strong growth in international tourism
# And soccer: Diomandé is set to be the most expensive African player in history

# Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says cabinet has noted reports that some white South Africans who relocated to the United States under claims of a so-called white genocide, have allegedly been denied visas. Cabinet has reaffirmed that all South Africans, regardless of political views, have a place in the country and are protected by the Constitution. She acknowledged South Africa continues to face socio-economic challenges affecting all citizens:

# COPE is urging eligible South Africans to register to vote this weekend ahead of the 4 November local government elections. The party says the country deserves municipalities that deliver quality services, drive economic growth and remain accountable to communities. COOPE believes local government should create opportunities and improve people’s lives. It is encouraging citizens to register at their nearest voting station or online on Saturday and Sunday to ensure their voices are heard at the polls.

# South Africa’s tourism sector has recorded strong growth during the first six months of this year, welcoming more than 5.5-million international visitors. This is a 12.3-percent increase compared with the same period last year. June arrivals also rose by nearly ten-percent, with strong growth from African markets. Tourism Department spokesperson, Aldrin Sampear, says for the second consecutive month, the US was South Africa’s leading overseas source market:

# Thirteen people, including children, have been killed in Russian airstrikes in Ukraine in the early hours of this morning. The attack came hours after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned the country about Moscow launching a massive attack. Two girls, aged five and 12, were among six killed in Kryvyi Rih. Six ⁠more people were killed in two adjacent regions and one in the capital of Kyiv. Zelensky says the strikes damaged or destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure facilities, while more than 260 drones were intercepted.

# Soccer: Ivorian winger Yan Diomandé is set to join Real Madrid from RB Leipzig in a deal reportedly worth around 2.2-billion-rand, making him the most expensive African player in history. The 19-year-old’s transfer surpasses the previous African record held by compatriot Nicolas Pépé. The move follows an outstanding season in Germany and an impressive World Cup campaign. Real Madrid is expected to complete the signing this week.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-58-cents and the euro at 19-rand-2-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-19-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-536-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-77-dollars-64-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 92-dollars-57-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….