News 17:00

BULLETIN 18 June 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Gift of the Givers is threatened while providing humanitarian relieve in Mthatha
# The Gauteng Health Department responds to a continued measles outbreak
# And the City of Cape Town approves a controversial development in the historic Bo-Kaap despite resistance from the community

# Police minister Senzo Mchunu has strongly condemned threats against humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. The group was allegedly intimidated by members of a so-called water mafia linked to municipal service providers while delivering clean water to flood victims. The recent floods have claimed 90 lives and displaced hundreds of people. Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi says police have also been deployed to prevent looting at the homes of victims:

# The Gauteng Department of Health says it has intensified its public health response following a continued rise in measles cases across the province. The department’s spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says a total of 181 laboratory confirmed measles cases have been reported from the first of January until last week Friday. He says many of these cases emanated from Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni:

# The City of Cape Town has approved the controversial 150 Buitengracht development on the edge of the Bo-Kaap. The mixed-use project includes 40 flats, retail space, a rooftop restaurant, and underground parking. After strong community resistance, revisions were made, reducing height and footprint, to protect the area’s heritage. The South African Heritage Resources Agency mediated the process. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis called the outcome a model for inclusive, heritage-aware development. Construction is set to begin later this year.

# Soccer: Liverpool will kick off its Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on 15 August while Arsenal heads to Manchester United in a blockbuster clash on the opening weekend. Following the Bournemouth game Liverpool has tricky fixtures at Newcastle and at home to Arsenal. Thomas Frank’s first match as Tottenham boss will come on 16 August at home against newly promoted Burnley, while Sunderland makes its return to the top flight against West Ham on the same day. The third team of newcomers, Leeds, plays Everton on 18 August.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-5-cents and the euro at 20-rand-75-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-26-cents and Bitcoin trades at 104-thousand-69-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-391-dollars-1-cent a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-48-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Qatar Airways has been named the world’s best airline for a record ninth time at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. The awards are known as the Oscars of the aviation world. Qatar was also named best airline in the Middle East, world’s best business class, and best business class airline lounge. Five-time winner of the world’s best airline award, Singapore Airlines, took second place, with Hong Kong’s flag carrier, Cathay Pacific, in third. Ethiopian Airlines was crowned the best airline in Africa for the seventh year.

Stay tuned for more news………….