News 16:00

BULLETIN 19 June 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Department of Home Affairs confirms 12 babies were born at a migrant camp in Durban
# The DA calls for stronger rural safety measures after a farm attack at Bothaville in the Free State
# And rugby: The Bulls face Leinster with 16 Boks in their squad

# The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed 12 babies have been born at a makeshift migrant camp in Sherwood, Durban, where thousands of Malawian nationals have been sheltering since earlier this month. Authorities say most occupants are undocumented migrants, and a voluntary repatriation programme is underway with support from the Malawian government. Humanitarian concerns have been raised over living conditions, including dehydration and illness. Home Affairs says efforts are continuing to process cases and facilitate the safe return of affected people, particularly women and children.

# Suspended KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona has told the Madlanga commission his instruction was for Warrant Officer Karl Sander to return to the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit. Responding to questions from commissioner Sesi Baloyi, Senona explained the unit consists of several sub-units, including the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau. He suggested assigning Sander to any investigation division would have complied with his instruction:

# The DA will push for stronger rural safety measures following a farm attack near Bothaville in the Free State. While no serious injuries were reported, the party says the incident remains deeply concerning, especially as firearms were stolen. The DA’s Thinus Barnard says farm attacks should be treated as a priority crime. He urges the implementation of the party’s rural safety plan to better protect farming communities:

# Trade union Solidarity calls on government to urgently respond to US demands following the reported discontinuation of funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief programme. The union argues continued delays in resolving issues raised by the US, including concerns over rural safety, property rights, race-based legislation and foreign policy, could lead to further consequences, including higher trade tariffs or even sanctions. Solidarity’s Jaco Kleynhans says stronger trade relations and continued investment ties remain critical.

# Rugby: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has packed his squad with 16 Springboks for tonight’s United Rugby Championship final against Irish team Leinster in Dublin. Eleven Test players will start the match, with another five on the bench. Bok veteran Willie le Roux will wear the number 15 jersey, while Handré Pollard and Embrose Papier will be the half-back pairing. Other Boks in the squad include captain Marcell Coetzee, Gerhard Steenekamp, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie. Kick-off at Croke Park is at 8.30 tonight, South African time.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-47-cents and the euro at 18-rand-88-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-78-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-468-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-155-dollars-41-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 79-dollars-57-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….