News 17:00

BULLETIN 19 June 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa praises the Reserve Bank Museum’s educational role
# Over 300 Zimbabweans seek repatriation at the country’s Cape Town consulate amid safety fears
# And rugby: The Bulls are ready for anything in Dublin tonight

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the importance of the South African Reserve Bank Museum in promoting financial literacy and public understanding of the economy. Speaking in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the institution will help educate citizens about money, interest rates, taxation and the role of the central bank. He welcomed the museum’s dedicated children’s section and schools outreach programme, saying greater financial knowledge will help build a capable and confident nation:

# Suspended head of the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal, Lesetja Senona, has told the Madlanga Commission that serious allegations against Warrant Officer Karl Sander justified his temporary reassignment. Senona said allegations included that Sander and others were involved in the theft of cocaine form ports and supplying drugs to a gang. Senona stressed that Sander was not suspended and also rejected claims that Sander underwent a polygraph test because of a stolen coffee machine:

# The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union has rallied support behind the Congress of South African Trade Unions’ nationwide protest against the rising cost of living in several provinces today. The union says workers, including police officers, correctional officials and traffic officers, are struggling with soaring food prices, transport, electricity and healthcare costs. POPCRU argues that stagnant wages and austerity measures are worsening economic hardship for public servants. The union calls for urgent government intervention, lower living costs, and an end to policies that deepen poverty, inequality and social instability.

# More than 300 Zimbabwean nationals are seeking refuge and voluntary repatriation at their country’s consulate in Cape Town ahead of the 30 June protest against illegal immigrants. According to News24, families began arriving on Wednesday night, with numbers increasing by yesterday. Many say they no longer feel safe in their communities due to growing tensions, fear of attacks, and intimidation. Relief organisations have provided food, blankets and other essentials to those waiting outside.

# Rugby: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says whatever the weather in Ireland tonight, they are ready to face Leinster in the United Rugby Championship final. He says they will enjoy the occasion and give it their all. Croke Park in Dublin’s pitch is said to be in immaculate condition, featuring a natural, 100-percent grass surface. Captain Marcell Coetzee says it’s a privilege and a great opportunity to play in the final, and they want to make the best of it. Kick-off is at 8.30 this evening, South African time.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-45-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-86-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-76-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-877-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-175-dollars-71-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-76-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….