News 18:00

BULLETIN 26 May 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC warns against hate during immigration protests
# Buti Manamela announces expansion of online learning
# And, SAFTU calls on all governments to fully respect and protect the right to strike

# The ANC has cautioned against hate speech, violence and vigilantism towards foreign nationals amid protests against illegal immigration. The ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says most demonstrators are demanding stronger government action on border management, corruption and unlawful immigration. However, Mbalula stressed that protests must remain lawful and humane, warning that xenophobia damages South Africa’s image and values:

# Higher Education and Training minister, Buti Manamela, has announced plans to expand the national open learning system through online TVET and Community Education and Training programmes. Delivering his department’s budget vote in Parliament, Manamela said the initiative will make education more accessible by reducing travel barriers for students. He revealed plans for digital career services accessible through mobile phones, curriculum partnerships in artificial intelligence, data science, software analytics and cybersecurity:

# The South African Federation of Trade Unions says the ruling by the International Court of Justice on the right to strike is a massive victory for workers, trade unions and progressive movements globally. The ICJ confirmed that the right to strike is protected under the International Labour Organisation’s Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention. Saftu’s Asive Dyani says the ICJ correctly recognised that freedom of association is meaningless if workers are denied the practical tools necessary to defend themselves collectively:

# Gauteng is recording an average of 27 kidnappings a day, according to crime statistics covering January to March in the 2025/2026 financial year. The province accounts for more than half of the country’s kidnapping cases. Speaking to EWN, Criminologist Jacob Mofokeng says syndicates are organised and target victims through hijackings, dating apps, and ransom schemes. He says victims are often forced to empty bank accounts or take loans through banking apps, with the first 24 hours after an abduction critical for recovery.

# Soccer: Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum says her country will host Iran’s national team during the World Cup after the United States reportedly refused to accommodate the squad overnight. She says FIFA approached Mexico for assistance amid ongoing Middle Eastern tensions and security concerns. Iran’s training base will be in Tijuana, Mexico, while their tournament matches remain scheduled in the US. Iranian officials say FIFA has assured them players and staff will receive visas to participate in the competition.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-36-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-2-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-2-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-539-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-511-dollars-94-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 97-dollars-10-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….