News 18:00

BULLETIN 5 February 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The state of the nation address will take place at the Cape Town City Hall
# A Swedish gunman who killed ten people appears to have shot himself
# And cricket: There is doubt over Cummins and Hazlewood for Australia in the Champions Cup

# National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza has confirmed that president Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the state of the nation address at Cape Town City Hall tomorrow. A two-day debate will follow Tuesday next week, before Ramaphosa’s response. Didiza emphasises the importance of SONA in shaping national discourse and its role in uniting the three arms of the state, the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary:

Meanwhile, the DA urges Ramaphosa to prioritise fiscal discipline and debt management in his address. The party warns that South Africa could face economic collapse if government debt is not reduced. In his media address, DA leader John Steenhuisen called for a clear plan to reduce debt, stop bailouts to failing state-owned enterprises and cut unnecessary government spending:

# The gunman who killed ten people in the Swedish town of Orebro appears to have killed himself. Sweden’s prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, described yesterday’s attack at an adult education centre as the worst mass shooting in the country’s history. Police told Sky News the school’s large premises meant it took a long time for officers to search the campus and ensure there were no more victims. The attack happened after many students had gone home following a national exam. All the victims were over 18.

# Cricket: Chances are slim Australian captain Pat Cummins will be fit in time for the Champions Cup in Pakistan. The pacebowler’s ankle injury flared up after the recent Test series against India. Coach Andrew McDonald says it’s very unlikely Cummins will be able to play, while there is also doubt over the fitness of another quick bowler, Josh Hazlewood, who missed three of the five Tests against India with side and calf injuries. Steve Smith or Travis Head will captain the side if Cummins can’t play.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-60-cents and the euro at 19-rand-39-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-30-cents and Bitcoin trades at 98-thousand-770-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-863-dollars-89-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-92-cents a barrel.

# And finally: American golf icon Tiger Woods has paid tribute to his late mother, Kultida, calling her his biggest fan and greatest supporter. Born in Thailand, Kultida played a pivotal role in Woods’ journey, attending many of his historic tournaments. The 15-time major winner describes her as the undeniable spirit behind his success. Last week, the 78-year-old still accompanied her son to participate in the TGL tournament in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Woods did not reveal her cause of death. The family has requested privacy as they mourn her passing.

Stay tuned for more news………….