News 15:00

BULLETIN 21 February 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa invites his Ukrainian counterpart for a state visit to South Africa
# Minister Senzo Mchunu warns that police murders won’t be tolerated
# And boxing: Minister Gayton McKenzie unveils bold plans for the sport in South Africa

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has invited Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit following global diplomatic engagements. Their discussion comes amid tensions with US president Donald Trump, who recently called Zelensky a dictator. Ramaphosa emphasised the need for an inclusive peace process in Ukraine. Zelensky thanked South Africa for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, stating that South Africa’s voice matters. The proposed visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and discuss pathways to a just and lasting peace.

# Police minister Senzo Mchunu warns that no one is untouchable and police murders will not be tolerated. He says law enforcement will act decisively against criminals targeting police officials. Releasing the latest crime statistics for 1 October to 31 December last year, Mchunu said seven armed suspects were killed in a shootout with police in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape yesterday, further illustrating government’s commitment to tackling crime and protecting officials:

# Johannesburg residents have been urged to avoid baptisms and cleansing rituals in river streams due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Continuous rain has caused strong currents, with past incidents at the Jukskei River resulting in fatalities. Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi warns that rivers are full and unsafe. EMS teams remain on high alert, monitoring all seven city regions for emergencies as heavy downpours persist. Residents are advised to exercise caution near water sources.

# Arab leaders are gathering in Saudi Arabia to hammer out a recovery plan for Gaza aimed at countering US president Donald Trump’s proposal for American control of the territory and the expulsion of its people. Trump’s plan has united Arab states in opposition to it, but disagreements remain over who should govern the war-ravaged Palestinian territory and how to fund its reconstruction. Trump triggered global outrage when he proposed the US takes over the Gaza Strip and relocate its more than two-million residents to Egypt and Jordan.

# Boxing: Sports minister Gayton McKenzie has announced major reforms to uplift the sport in South Africa at a convention in East London. Key initiatives include a dedicated TV channel, improved financial transparency, and government support for promoters. McKenzie pledged to reopen the Orient Theatre, ensure overdue championship belts are awarded, enhance women’s boxing and ensure equal pay. He says the next boxing symposium will host boxers only to hear their grievances and ways to enhance the sport.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-34-cents and the euro at 19-rand-19-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-20-cents and Bitcoin trades at 98-thousand-611-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-932-dollars-84-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-46-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….