News 18:00

BULLETIN 3 June 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa cites progress in fixing electricity and transport networks
# Deputy president Paul Mashatile urges the continued pharmaceutical partnership with India’s Aurobindo Group
# And soccer: Spain cancels the DRC’s friendly match against Chile over Ebola fears

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says government reforms are beginning to deliver results, including progress in reducing load-shedding and improving key infrastructure. Speaking during the Presidency budget vote debate in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa told members of Parliament that renewable energy is increasing and new investment in power generation is helping stabilise electricity supply. He also highlighted improvements in rail and ports to support the economy:

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has called for stronger health investment ties between South Africa and India’s Aurobindo Group. Speaking in India, Mashatile praised the company’s contribution to affordable healthcare through its pharmaceutical operations and invited further investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics and mining. He also encouraged partnerships with junior and black-owned mining firms to promote inclusive growth. He emphasised that expanding local pharmaceutical production would improve healthcare security:

# KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Unit Commander Gavin Jacob has denied any involvement in the theft of drugs linked to the 541-kilogram cocaine seizure in Port Shepstone. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Jacob said he was unaware of security problems at the building before the incident was reported in November 2021. Responding to commissioner Mbuyiseli Madlanga, he revealed to the commission a polygraph test vindicated him:

# Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, says government is committed to strengthening collaboration between municipalities and traditional leadership institutions. He led a consultation between his department and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders on the Reviewed Draft White Paper on Local Government. Hlabisa says the review provides the chance to identify opportunities and mechanisms government can leverage to strengthen the interface between traditional and Khoi-San leadership and municipal governance.

# Soccer: Spanish authorities have cancelled a planned international friendly in the country between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The match was scheduled for Tuesday as part of the teams’ preparations for the World Cup in Northern America. Local officials say the decision was taken as a precautionary measure following health advice. The DRC, who had qualified for their first World Cup since 1974, will continue preparations in Belgium ahead of the tournament. 

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-31-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-92-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-90-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-873-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-445-dollars-89-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 96-dollars-41-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….