News 16:00

BULLETIN 19 June 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa affirms the commitment to a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa 
# A court grants the final eviction order for unlawful occupation sites in Cape Town’s CBD
# And rugby: Evan Roos expects a physical battle against Wales

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to transform South Africa into a non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous nation. In his keynote address during his second-term inauguration, he urged all political leaders to collaborate in fostering inclusivity and prosperity, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens to thrive. Ramaphosa acknowledged the nation’s resilience in the face of challenges and accepted the election results as a reflection of the people’s will for peace and progress:

Ramaphosa added economic growth and job creation are top priorities for his new administration. The president called for unity and collaboration across political lines to tackle inequality and economic disparities. Key goals include reducing unemployment, poverty alleviation and fostering sustainable development. According to Ramaphosa, the government is committed to investing in education, healthcare, and social cohesion, while also addressing crime and corruption:

# The Western Cape High Court has granted a final eviction order for several unlawful occupation sites in Cape Town’s CBD. The eviction targets hotspots like Buitengracht Street and Helen Suzman Boulevard. After the city offered repeated social assistance, including shelter and reintegration services, mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasises that public spaces cannot be reserved by individuals refusing help. The city is expanding its Safe Space facilities, aiming to restore public areas and provide sustainable support for the homeless.

# Rugby: Springbok number eight Evan Roos expects a physical battle against Wales on Saturday as the team kicks off their 2024 international season at Twickenham. Roos will earn his sixth Test cap in the clash. He says the Welsh have a similar demeanour to South Africans in their approach to Test rugby. The Springboks had their final training session in Pretoria yesterday, with the touring squad of 30 players named by coach Rassie Erasmus set to depart for London tonight.

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-1-cent and the euro at 19-rand-37-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-94-cents and Bitcoin trades at 65-thousand-76-dollars-53-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-329-dollars-62-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-42-cents a barrel.

# And, activists are calling for albinism to be recognised as a disability due to vulnerabilities like visual impairment and skin cancer. During a two-day workshop, speakers highlighted the inconsistent treatment of individuals with albinism, such as denial of disability grants, yet being deemed disabled for driver’s licenses. They urge the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights to hold government accountable for legislating albinism as a disability, ensuring equal access to education, employment and healthcare.

Stay tuned for more news………….