News 17:00

BULLETIN 6 November 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Donald Trump’s victory could mean no more support for Ukraine in the war with Russia
# Macron wants Europe to stand together after Trump’s victory
# And cricket: Ninety-one South Africans are registered for the IPL auction

# The re-election of Donald Trump as the 47th American president, could mean Ukraine may soon have to adjust to a reduction in US support that could decisively impact on the war with Russia. Throughout his campaign Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have cast strong doubts on continued US commitment to Kyiv. The president-elect also made comments suggesting the US could pressure Ukraine into an uneasy truce with Russia. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky earlier congratulated Trump and said he appreciates his commitment to peace through strength.

Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron says he and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will work on a more united, stronger and sovereign Europe after Trump’s win. Many in the European Union were jittery about the prospect, as Trump has threatened to upend NATO, cut a quick deal with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and impose trade tariffs. Macron again stresses the need for European nations to draw together. He says the temptation cannot be an-every-man-for-himself approach or bilateral relations, but instead a coordinated European strategy.

# Environmental groups, including the Green Connection and Extinction Rebellion, are calling for the government to stop partnering with fossil fuel companies amid the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town. They argue the event’s high costs exclude civil society from vital discussions that focus on oil and gas investments. The Green Connection’s Lisa Makaula, says they plan to protest outside the venue, calling for sustainable development and protections for fishing communities affected by fossil fuel projects: 

# Cricket: South Africa is the country with the second-highest number of players included in the auction for next year’s Indian Premier League. India registered one-thousand-165 players and South Africa 91. Among the South Africans up for grabs are Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and Aiden Markram. A surprise omission among the one-thousand-574 names is that of England captain Ben Stokes. The IPL will shorten the list after receiving input from the ten franchises. The auction takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, later this month.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-70-cents and the euro at 18-rand-96-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-77-cents and Bitcoin trades at 74-thousand-283-dollars-40-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-678-dollars-94-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-38-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Former Botswanan president Ian Khama has announced his retirement from politics following extensive campaigning in the recent elections. Khama, who co-founded the Botswana Patriotic Front after splitting with former president Mokgweetsi Masisi, told the SABC he plans to serve as chief of his village. He welcomed incoming president Duma Boko and highlighted his challenge to stabilise Botswana’s economy:

Stay tuned for more news………….