News 16:00

BULLETIN 5 February 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Alison Botha is relieved that her attackers’ parole was revoked
# The Centre for Development and Enterprise urges president Ramaphosa to announce bold reforms at SONA
# And motorsport: The MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin is taken to hospital after a crash

# Rape survivor Alison Botha has expressed relief after her attackers, Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, were sent back to prison. The men were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1995 for rape, attempted murder, and kidnapping in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. The Correctional Services Department canceled their parole, initially granted in 2023 without Botha’s knowledge. Botha’s attorney, Tania Koen, called the decision long overdue. Botha thanked minister Pieter Groenewald for prioritising community safety. 

# The Centre for Development and Enterprise has called on president Cyril Ramaphosa to outline urgent reforms during his state of the nation address. Executive director Ann Bernstein criticised the government of national unity for lacking a clear action plan nine months after its formation. She emphasises the need for bold policy shifts, including strengthening state efficiency, reducing market restrictions, and improving public spending. Bernstein warns the GNU risks failure without meaningful change.

# The Goma Call for Peace has been launched to demand an immediate ceasefire and protection for civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Anglican bishop of Goma, Martin Gordon, highlighted the immense suffering following the M23 rebels taking control of the city, which has resulted in over 900 deaths. Gordon calls for an end to the fighting, withdrawal of foreign forces, and renewed peace talks between Rwanda and the DRC:

# Motorsport: MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin was taken to hospital after crashing on the opening day of pre-season testing in Malaysia. The 27-year-old, who made the move to Aprilia after winning last year’s championship for Pramac Ducati, reported pain in his left foot and right hand after being thrown off at turn two of the Sepang track. The Spaniard landed hard on his left foot before his head banged onto the asphalt. This was his second crash of the session.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-60-cents and the euro at 19-rand-37-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-31-cents and Bitcoin trades at 98-thousand-492-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-868-dollars-90-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-11-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The longest-serving editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, Anna Wintour, has received an honour from King Charles. This is part of the king’s Birthday Honours. She received the Companion of Honour award for her services to fashion. Wintour, who was made a dame by Queen Elizabeth in 2017 for her contribution to fashion and journalism, says she was completely surprised and overwhelmed to receive her second accolade at Buckingham Palace:

Stay tuned for more news………….