News 16:00

BULLETIN 30 April 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The IEC admits to limitations in the candidates’ signature verification process
# The Limpopo bus crash victims’ remains are repatriated to Botswana
# And Rugby: The Blitzboks hope Sage and Soyizwapi will change their fortunes

# The Electoral Commission has acknowledged its inability to verify signatures on the candidate nomination system, amid allegations of forged signatures. A former MK party member has opened a fraud case, alleging theft of identity numbers and signature forgery. The EFF has also questioned the legitimacy of signatures endorsing Build One South Africa. The IEC’s Kate Bapela clarifies they can only confirm the authenticity of ID numbers of registered, living South African voters:

# The bodies of 45 Botswana citizens who tragically died in a bus crash in Limpopo during Easter are being repatriated from Gateway International Airport today. Following the completion of identification procedures, the Botswana Defence Force is overseeing their return. Many bodies were badly burnt in the accident en route to the Easter conference of the Zion Christian Church. Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba says the repatriation brings closure for the grieving families.

# Namibia Wildlife Resorts has announced the reopening of Bo Plaas campsite along the Orange River after security and infrastructure upgrades. Following a temporary closure last September due to robbery incidents involving Namibian and South African tourists, the resort prioritised safety enhancements. Spokesperson Nelson Ashipala says these upgrades aim to ensure visitors’ safety at the campsite:

# 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-72-cents and the euro at 20-rand-7-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-48-cents and Bitcoin trades at 61-thousand-123-dollars-12-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-311-dollars-47-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 87-dollars-66-cents a barrel.

# And finally: An exhibit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York has delved into South Africa’s slavery past, focusing on those enslaved at Cape Town’s Slave Lodge in the 17th century. Titled “Who were the enslaved?” the exhibit originated at Cape Town’s Iziko Slave Lodge in 2023. The exhibition continues until the end of May, offering insights into this dark chapter and fostering reflection on this harrowing chapter of history.

Stay tuned for more news………….