News 17:00

BULLETIN 5 August 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Lamola backs the AU’s decision to convene a migration conference for the continent
# Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from the Cincinnati Open, casting doubt over his US Open title defence
# And: The Augrabies Falls National Park celebrates 60 years

# International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa supports the African Union’s long-standing decision to convene a continent-wide migration conference. Briefing the media, Lamola said the gathering should address migration alongside peace, economic development, regional integration and democratic governance. He says the conference must also tackle the root causes of xenophobia, violence and anti-migrant sentiment. Lamola adds that migration is a continental challenge requiring a coordinated African response:

# The Madlanga Commission has heard allegations that suspended Police minister Senzo Mchunu interfered in the work of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption. IDAC advocate Drushantha Ramsamy testified that former IDAC head Andrea Johnson repeatedly referred to discussions with Mchunu on “clean up” the police. Ramsamy alleged Johnson also sought information to investigate the minister’s former chief of staff, Cedric Nkabinde following meetings with Mchunu.

# The World Bank says artificial intelligence could significantly boost productivity and economic growth in developing countries if governments invest in the right foundations. Its World Development Report 2026 estimates AI could meaningfully improve productivity in more than 16-percent of jobs in developing economies. Chief Economist Indermit Gill says countries do not need advanced AI models to benefit, but must urgently strengthen electricity, internet access, digital skills and institutions to avoid falling behind.

# Tennis: Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury. The Spaniard has not played competitively since April, when the injury forced him out of the Barcelona Open. He also missed the chance to defend his French Open title and an attempt to win Wimbledon for a third time. Alcaraz was due to return to Cincinnati as part of preparations for the defence of his title at the US Open, which begins on 30 August.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-36-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-89-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-4-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-87-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-187-dollars-87-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 83-dollars-59-cents a barrel.

# And finally: SANParks is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Augrabies Falls National Park in the Northern Cape, marking six decades of conserving one of South Africa’s most iconic natural landmarks. Proclaimed on 5 August 1966, the park protects a unique arid ecosystem, the 56-metre Augrabies Falls and an 18-kilometre granite gorge. SANParks’s JP Louw thanked employees, neighbouring communities, conservation partners, and visitors for helping preserve the park’s rich natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Stay tuned for more news………….