News 16:00

BULLETIN 5 January 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Lamola calls for a progressive UN Security Council meeting on the US’ Venezuelan violations
# The case against five suspects in the Bekkersdal mass shooting is postponed
# And soccer: The CAF president highlights increased prize money and development

# International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa is anticipating a progressive United Nations Security Council meeting today following the United States’ capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in New York and are expected in court today. Lamola says the move is unlawful, adding that the US remains unpredictable:

Meanwhile, the ANC Youth League says it will mobilise young people and progressive forces to march to the US embassy in Pretoria, to voice opposition to the violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. The league says this blatant use of force, executed without international mandate or consent, is nothing short of imperialist aggression. It adds that it stands in unshakeable solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela.

# The case against five suspects linked to the Bekkersdal tavern mass shooting in Gauteng has been postponed due to the absence of an identity parade. The men appeared in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court on charges including illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The court heard witnesses were unavailable and out of province. The matter was postponed to 22 January for further investigation.

# Soccer: CAF president Patrice Motsepe has announced plans to boost Champions League and Confederation Cup prize money, with amounts to be confirmed after the current Africa Cup Of Nations. Speaking to SABC News in Morocco, Motsepe highlighted that CAF’s 2.4-billion-rand debt has been cleared and praised improved governance. Motsepe emphasised that incentives, development programmes, and ethical management will ensure African soccer grows, inspiring players and fans across the continent:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-46-cents and the euro at 19-rand-23-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-16-cents and Bitcoin trades at 93-thousand-131-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-417-dollars-91-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 60-dollars-90-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The Rethink Your Drink campaign is concerned about the surge in alcohol-related admissions in hospitals during the festive season. The campaign’s Kashifa Ancer says this has placed severe strain on beds, staff and critical care services, and delayed care for other patients in an already stretched system. She says while festive trading boosts profits, the resultant harm shows up in emergency wards year after year:

Stay tuned for more news………….