News 16:00

BULLETIN 10 June 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A US court orders the extradition of Ace Magashule’s former assistant 
# Al Jama-ah warns the ANC against the return of white rule in a government of national unity 
# And cricket: The Proteas are looking for a third win in New York for a place in the Super 8

# A US court has ruled that former Free State premier Ace Magashule’s former personal assistant can be extradited. The Maryland District Court found sufficient evidence in the National Prosecuting Authority’s fraud and corruption case against Moroadi Cholota. Magistrate Erin Aslan ordered her to remain in custody while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken decides on the extradition. Cholota is a key witness in the 255-million-rand asbestos tender scandal involving Magashule and other officials, accused of received 27-million-rand in bribes after funds were allocated for the removal of harmful asbestos from homes.

# Al Jama-ah’s leader, Ganief Hendricks, has warned the ANC against forming a government of national unity, cautioning it could lead to a return of white rule. Hendricks has emphasised that the government of national unity would undermine black economic control and reparations. He raised concerns stating that this would risk a regression to apartheid-era inequalities and delaying true freedom:

# The Institute for Security Studies believes South Africa has the necessary skills and resources to improve policing and safety. The institute says with committed leadership from the president and Police minister, reforms could lead to a motivated and trusted Police Service, reduced crime rates, and increased public safety. It says practical steps include overhauling recruitment, enhancing integrity, and focusing on major offenders. Such changes could restore public trust and make South Africa safer. The institute will launch the detailed recommendations to transform the country’s safety trajectory on June 27.

# President Emmanuel Macron says he is confident the French would make the right choice in snap elections he called, after the far right beat his centrist alliance in EU elections. Many view Macron’s move as a high-risk gamble aimed at keeping the far-right National Rally out of power when his second term ends in 2027. Late yesterday Macron announced France will go to the polls to vote for a new National Assembly on 30 June, with a second round on 7 July.

# Cricket: South Africa will play its third game at the T20 World Cup against Bangladesh today. It will be a third consecutive match in New York for the Proteas. The venue has produced low-scoring contests, but the South Africans have won both games thus far. Captain Aiden Markram knows victory today will book their place in the Super 8 round, with a game to spare: 

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-71-cents and the euro at 20-rand-13-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-80-cents and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-374-dollars-41-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-305-dollars-80-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-38-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….