News 15:00

BULLETIN 24 June 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Progressive Caucus is to discuss operations amid the UDM and Al Jama-ah exit
# The KwaZulu-Natal Police commissioner demands an investigation into an assault by officers
# And rugby: Scott Barrett is named as the new All Blacks captain 

# The Progressive Caucus will discuss its operations this week following the exit of UDM and Al Jama-ah, who joined the government of national unity. ATM leader Vuyo Zungula stated that the remaining members, EFF, MK Party, ATM, and smaller parties, will collaborate in South Africans’ best interests. Zungula also emphasised that ATM will not join the national unity government. Although no leader has been elected, the caucus will discuss roles and structures, aiming to raise awareness about its opposition representation.

# KwaZulu-Natal Police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has ordered a probe into police misconduct captured on CCTV in Tongaat. The footage shows officers assaulting a man unprovoked. Mkhwanazi demands a detailed report and corrective action against those violating the code of conduct and the Constitution. Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda urges officers to uphold the law and ensure community safety, warning any misconduct will result in corrective measures:

# The Eastern Cape Transport Department has confirmed Mthatha Airport operations have resumed. Flights were diverted to King Phalo Airport in East London during a firefighters’ protest. Spokesperson Unathi Binqose says aircraft can now land safely with municipal firefighter services in place to prevent a recurrence of service disruptions. The reasons for the ongoing protest are yet to be determined:

# Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the “intense phase” of fighting in Rafah in southern Gaza is nearly over, but this doesn’t mean the war is ending. He stresses fighting will continue until Hamas is completely driven from power. He adds the Israeli military will soon be able to redeploy troops to the border with Lebanon, where exchanges of fire with Hezbollah have been escalating. Netanyahu again rejected the idea that the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority should run Gaza in place of Hamas.

# Rugby: Scott Barrett was named captain of the All Blacks by head coach Scott Robertson, as he unveiled his first squad for a two-Test series against England next month. Barrett takes over from Sam Cane, who stepped down having skippered New Zealand since 2020. Robertson made loose forward and 2023 world player of the year Ardie Savea his vice-captain along with Barrett’s brother, the centre Jordie. There are three Barrett siblings in the squad, with elder brother Beauden, the 2016 and 2017 world player of the year, the other.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-12-cents and the euro at 19-rand-44-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-94-cents and Bitcoin trades at 61-thousand-113-dollars-29-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-324-dollars-85-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 84-dollars-58-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….