News 16:00

BULLETIN 12 June 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The MK Party in KwaZulu-Natal is ready for coalition talks with the IFP
# The Health Department intensifies its efforts to curb the M-pox spread 
# And cricket: India will not underestimate the USA in New York

# Former president Jacob Zuma’s MK Party in KwaZulu-Natal says it is ready to discuss a coalition deal with the Inkatha Freedom Party. MK secretary-general Sihle Ngubane cited shared political ideologies and interests between MK and the IFP in the province. Meanwhile, DA KZN leader Francois Rodgers says the party awaits national leadership directives before engaging in any coalition discussions.

Meanwhile, ActionSA has elected Athol Trollip as its national caucus leader during its inaugural caucus meeting. The seasoned politician with extensive experience in public service, will lead the party’s efforts in the National Assembly. Amidst a political landscape where the opposition faces challenges, particularly with the ANC-led coalition, ActionSA aims to maintain its integrity as a watchdog against corruption and deception. Party president Herman Mashaba says Trollip and his team are prepared to make a meaningful impact in the seventh Parliament.

# The Department of Health has ramped up efforts to curb the spread of M-pox following the confirmation of five cases and one fatality. The department is collaborating with HIV programmes and key organisations to raise awareness. Briefing the media, minister of Health Joe Phaahla says Tecovirimat, an antiviral medication, has been secured for severe cases through World Health Organisation donations:

# A 70-year-old man jumped out of a moving vehicle to flee from a gang who attacked his farm in North West. The incident began when four suspects killed his 60-year-old wife on the farm outside Swartruggens. They ransacked the house, kidnapped the man, and loaded stolen items into two vehicles. After his escape the man alerted nearby farmers, leading to the arrest of a 34-year-old woman for possession of stolen property. She will appear in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The search for the murderers continues.

# Cricket: India will look for its third consecutive victory at the T20 World Cup today. They are seen as one of the favourites and are expected to easily dispatch of the USA. But the co-hosts have also won both of their matches, including a victory over Pakistan. Today’s game will be played in New York – a venue that has produced very low-scoring, unpredictable contests. India’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, says they will not underestimate the US:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-63-cents and the euro at 20-rand-6-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-78-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-903-dollars-13-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-314-dollars-82-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-77-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….