News 15:00

BULLETIN 19 June 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Solidarity says the relations between South Africa and America are under strain as funding concerns emerge
# The forensic expert Laurance Mokgotloe is granted 15-thousand-rand-bail
# And rugby: The Bulls are ready for anything in Dublin tonight

# Trade union Solidarity calls on government to urgently respond to US demands following the reported discontinuation of funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief programme. The union argues continued delays in resolving issues raised by the US, including concerns over rural safety, property rights, race-based legislation and foreign policy, could lead to further consequences, including higher trade tariffs or even sanctions. Solidarity’s Jaco Kleynhans says stronger trade relations and continued investment ties remain critical.

# The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has granted police forensic expert Laurance Makgotloe 15-thousand-rand bail after being charged with tampering with crucial evidence in high-profile murder investigations. These include removing exhibits and altering reports on the 2024 assignation of engineer Armand Swart in Vereeniging. Magistrate Johannes Kruger found concerns raised by the state could be addressed through strict bail conditions, including no contact with witnesses. He postponed the case to August 20:

# The National Transmission Company South Africa says about two-billion-rand in curtailment compensation claims from independent power producers is currently being verified and processed. The utility has acknowledged a temporary bottleneck following a sharp increase in claims during April and May. Energy analyst Chris Yelland says renewable energy producers are concerned about delayed reimbursements and a lack of transparency in curtailment decisions. The utility’s CEO, Monde Bala, says additional resources have been deployed to accelerate payments while ensuring fairness, grid stability and affordability for consumers.

# The DA in Gauteng says several communities continue to experience alarming increases in serious crime, despite an overall decline in several major crime categories during the fourth quarter of the current financial year. These include kidnapping, truck hijackings, vehicle-related crime, and sexual offences. The DA’s Crezane Bosch says premier Panyaza Lesufi must engage acting minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, to strengthen intelligence-led operations to dismantle kidnapping and truck-hijacking syndicates:

# Rugby: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says whatever the weather in Ireland tonight, they are ready to face Leinster in the United Rugby Championship final. He says they will enjoy the occasion and give it their all. Croke Park in Dublin’s pitch is said to be in immaculate condition, featuring a natural, 100-percent grass surface. Captain Marcell Coetzee says it’s a privilege and a great opportunity to play in the final, and they want to make the best of it. Kick-off is at 8.30 this evening, South African time.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-47-cents and the euro at 18-rand-89-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-81-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-567-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-145-dollars-24-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 79-dollars-30-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….