News 15:00

BULLETIN 19 June 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cyril Ramaphosa is sworn in for a second term as the president of South Africa 
# Unisa’s Israeli boycott decision faces a backlash from the South African Zionist Federation
# And rugby: The TMO has been expanded for the Bok Test 

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has been sworn in for his second term, leading the seventh administration since democracy’s dawn. Chief justice Raymond Zondo administered the oath at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The inauguration featured cultural performances and military ceremonies, including a 21-gun salute and an Air Force flypast. As he took the oath, Ramaphosa devoted himself to the republic:

Ramaphosa also pledged to transform South Africa into a non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous nation. He urged all political leaders to collaborate in fostering inclusivity and prosperity, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens to thrive. Ramaphosa acknowledged the nation’s resilience in the face of challenges and accepted the election results as a reflection of the people’s will for peace and progress:

Meanwhile, Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald has confirmed ongoing talks with the ANC for possible inclusion in the government of national unity. Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration, Groenewald emphasised the party’s readiness to hold the new government accountable. He also expressed anticipation for the announcement of the new cabinet:

# The South African Zionist Federation urges universities to uphold academic freedom and resist Israeli boycotts. This follows the University of South Africa’s senate’s decision to endorse a boycott of Israeli institutions, aligning with the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. The federation’s spokesperson Rolene Marks argues this undermines academic freedom and harms students by limiting access to Israeli advancements in technology and medicine. Marks warns the boycott poses reputational and financial risks, may reduce funding, and could drive antisemitism, alienating prospective Jewish students.

# Rugby: World Rugby has announced an expansion of the television match official’s powers for Saturday’s Test between the Springboks and Wales, as well as the upcoming U20 Championship in Cape Town. The governing body confirmed it is operating an initial closed trial of modifications to the TMO at World Rugby competitions in July. In addition, Saturday’s two matches at Twickenham – the Springboks versus Wales and Fiji versus Barbarians – will also operate the trial following requests from the respective unions.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-99-cents and the euro at 19-rand-35-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-91-cents and Bitcoin trades at 65-thousand-399-dollars-63-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-327-dollars-19-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-32-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….