News 17:00

BULLETIN 25 February 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa urges traditional leaders to tackle gender-based violence and initiation deaths
# The SABC board reiterates an urgent call for a resolution on its funding model
# And cricket: The Champions Trophy match between the Proteas and Australia is abandoned without a single ball being bowled

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged traditional leaders to take a stand against gender-based violence and initiation deaths. Addressing the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, he called for stronger efforts to prevent deaths and injuries from initiation practices, particularly in the Eastern Cape. According to Ramaphosa, government is working with traditional leaders to address these issues and protect communities:

# SABC board chairperson Khathutshelo Ramukumba has reiterated calls for urgent action on the SABC Bill to address the public broadcaster’s funding model. Speaking to SABC News, Ramukumba stressed that while operations continue in the short term, long-term sustainability remains uncertain. He urged government to finalise the bill to secure the SABC’s financial future and public broadcasting mandate:

# Justice and Constitutional Development minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has rejected misleading claims alleging excessive spending on her travel expenses during her tenure as Human Settlements minister. Kubayi clarified that the reported 400-thousand-rand cost, for her trips to Beijing and San Francisco were exaggerated. Her actual accommodation costs were much lower than reported. Ministry spokesperson Terrence Manase says the minister has formally corrected the figures in Parliament: 

# Cricket: Today’s Champions Trophy match between South Africa and Australia in Pakistan was abandoned without a ball bowled. Persistent rain in Rawalpindi meant the two captains couldn’t even do the toss. This means the teams are sharing the points, earning one point each. The countries now stand on three points each after winning their opening games against Afghanistan and England, respectively. The Proteas still have to face England in their final group match on Saturday, while Australia plays Afghanistan the previous day.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-37-cents and the euro at 19-rand-27-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-24-cents and Bitcoin trades at 89-thousand-204-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-930-dollars-42-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-84-cents a barrel.

# And finally: South Africa’s Shamwari Untamed, a 13-part behind-the-scenes look at what’s involved in managing the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, has been selected for the Blue Bird Film Festival. The series is told largely from the perspective of wildlife vet, Johan Joubert, and ecologist, John O’Brien. It has also won awards at the recent Indo Dubai and Asian Independent International Film Festivals. Shamwari CEO, Joe Cloete, says the series is the most accurate, insightful and authentic depiction of the conservation team’s incredible work.

Stay tuned for more news………….