News 17:00

BULLETIN 11 June 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA wants minister Parks Tau to face Parliament over the lottery licence controversy
# Soccer: Brazil, Ecuador, Australia, and Oman qualify for the 2026 World Cup
# And young South Africans face heavy financial pressure but maintain strong money skills

# The DA says Trade, Industry and Competition minister, Parks Tau, and National Lotteries Commission chairperson, Barney Pityana, must appear before Parliament to explain the handling of the new lottery licence. This follows concerns over the appointment of Sizekhaya Holdings as the new licence holder and Ithuba Holdings as a temporary operator. The DA’s Toby Chance says reports also indicate thousands of lotto machines are currently not working due to technical issues:

# Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has backtracked on a key clause in the Draft Mining Bill and removed requirements for black economic empowerment for exploration activities. This follows backlash from the mining industry, warning that such rules would scare off investment in the high-risk exploration sector. According to News24, Mantashe has also clarified that listed mining companies will not require ministerial approval for changes in control. The Minerals Council South Africa says several other provisions in the bill still threaten job creation and economic growth.

# Build One South Africa says 93-percent of adults working in schools have not been cleared against the national register for sex offenders. Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube revealed that only seven-percent of nearly 500-thousand teachers and support staff have received clearance certificates. BOSA’s Roger Solomons says delays by the Justice Department and police are putting children at risk:

# Soccer: Brazil, Ecuador, Australia, and Oman have secured spots at next year’s World Cup in Northern America. Brazil edged Paraguay 1-nil with a Vinicius Junior goal, while Ecuador’s goalless draw with Peru was enough. Australia beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 to seal their sixth straight appearance. Oman’s 97th-minute equalizer against Palestine ensured progress, while Chile’s hopes ended with a 2-nil loss to Bolivia. Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia remain in the race, with Venezuela eyeing a playoff spot. The fourth qualifying round begins in October.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-72-cents and the euro at 20-rand-32-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-96-cents and Bitcoin trades at 109-thousand-783-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-341-dollars-17-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-56-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The latest Standard Bank Youth Barometer reveals that young South Africans are under severe financial pressure but remain financially savvy. Most youth between the ages of 18 and 35 spend over half of their income on essentials like groceries, rent, and transport. Around 73-percent buy used cars, and over 65-percent do so without a deposit. While 26-percent of funeral policyholders are under 35 years, only 16-percent have life cover. Nearly 40-percent of new home loans go to under-35s.

Stay tuned for more news………….