News 15:00

BULLETIN 30 April 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile calls for a united effort to end corruption for economic transformation
# The DA claims cadre deployment cripples North West service delivery
# And Rugby: The Blitzboks hope Dylan Sage and Siviwe Soyizwapi will change their fortunes 

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has underscored South Africa’s ongoing quest for economic freedom and inclusive prosperity. Addressing the African United Business Confederation conference in Sandton, he urges cross-sectoral unity to unleash the nation’s economic potential. Emphasising tackling socio-economic challenges like unemployment, poverty, inequality, and corruption, Mashatile labels corruption as the foremost threat to democracy. He stresses collaboration in combating corruption, advocating for transparency and good governance to achieve economic growth:

# DA leader John Steenhuisen has pointed to internal strife within the ruling ANC as the cause of deteriorating service delivery in the North West province. Steenhuisen criticised the North West Provincial government for neglecting issues such as unemployment, water shortages, and poor road conditions, which he claims have led to businesses relocating from the province. Steenhuisen accused the provincial government of hesitating to intervene due to factional battles within the ANC. He emphasised the urgent need for effective governance to address these challenges and prevent further economic decline.

# The US State Department has found five units of the Israeli military responsible for gross violations of human rights in individual incidents, but says they will continue receiving US military backing. The incidents took place outside of Gaza before the current war. Washington is Israel’s major military backer, supplying it with more than 70-billion-rand worth of weapons and defence systems per year. The announcement is the first determination of its kind for any Israeli unit by the US government.

# Rugby: Returning veterans Dylan Sage and Siviwe Soyizwapi will add plenty of experience to the Blitzboks’ cause at the Singapore Sevens this week. SA Rugby says the pair has “been there and done that” in their careers of close to a decade. Both stalwarts are making their first appearance in the 2024 season and Soyizwapi is overjoyed to be back:

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-76-cents and the euro at 20-rand-6-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-47-cents and Bitcoin trades at 61-thousand-527-dollars-69-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-314-dollars-25-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 87-dollars-63-cents a barrel.

# And finally: President Cyril Ramaphosa says this year’s national order recipients, chosen by the people, include posthumous awardees recognised for their bravery and contributions to democracy, human rights, and culture. Today the president bestowed national orders awards on distinguished citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy in Pretoria. In his keynote address, Ramaphosa says the legacy of the honourees serves as a reminder of the courage and determination needed to build a just and inclusive society:

Stay tuned for more news………….