News 17:00

BULLETIN 10 June 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Parliament reaffirms its commitment to constitutional responsibilities despite an MK Party boycott 
# Minister Naledi Pandor says a BRICS collaboration is vital for inclusive economic growth
# And tennis: Novak Djokovic slumps to third place in the world rankings after his French Open retirement

# Parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional responsibilities despite the MK Party’s boycott of the first National Assembly session and challenge to election results. It confirmed arrangements are underway for all elected members, excluding those from MK, to attend the session and associated activities in Cape Town. Parliament’s spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, dismissed the party’s claims of unconstitutionality, citing that Parliament is legally obligated to facilitate the session:

Meanwhile, Al Jama-ah’s leader, Ganief Hendricks, has warned the ANC against forming a government of national unity, cautioning it could lead to a return of white rule. Hendricks has emphasised that the government of national unity would undermine black economic control and reparations. He raised concerns stating that this would risk a regression to apartheid-era inequalities and delaying true freedom:

# International Relations and Cooperation minister Naledi Pandor says BRICS collaboration is crucial for inclusive economic growth and global reform. Speaking at the BRICS ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting in Russia, she welcomed the expansion of BRICS to include new members, urging cooperation across financial, economic, political, and cultural pillars. Pandor calls for maintaining reform momentum, enhancing trade and investment, and supporting sustainable development goals. She reiterates South Africa’s commitment to working with new BRICS members to foster global growth and development.

# Israel’s telecoms regulator extended the ban on Al Jazeera’s operations for another 45 days, citing security concerns. A Tel Aviv court upheld the initial 35-day ban, which ended Saturday. The Supreme Court described the ban as precedent-setting and demanded government justification by 8 August. The news channel plans to appeal, denying it incites violence. Israel’s Communications minister, Shlomo Karhi, claims Al Jazeera endangers national security, and may extend the closure further.

# Tennis: There were several changes to the top ten of the men’s world rankings following the conclusion of the French Open. Jannik Sinner of Italy and champion Carlos Alcaraz overtook Novak Djokovic of Serbia, who slumped back to third after retiring hurt before the quarterfinal. Loosing finalist Alexander Zverev of Germany remains fourth, followed by Russians Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud of Norway and Hubert Hurkacz of Poland. Australian Alex de Minaur improved to ninth, with Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria completing the top ten.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-78-cents and the euro at 20-rand-18-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-87-cents and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-323-dollars-63-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-305-dollars-32-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-5-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….