News 8:00

BULLETIN 18 May 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa heads to the US today to set the record straight on SA misinformation
# Trade deputy minister urges rational dialogue in Ramaphosa–Trump Meeting
# And most-wanted cash-in-transit, murder suspects killed in Boksburg shootout

# President Cyril Ramaphosa departs for the US today, aiming to repair strained relations and dismiss claims of an Afrikaner genocide in South Africa. Speaking at the ANC Northern Cape Provincial Executive Committees induction, Ramaphosa said he will firmly reject the allegations, calling it disinformation used by individuals seeking US asylum. He emphasised that there is no genocide as South Africans are not committing acts of hatred or retribution against anyone:

On the ever of the discussions, deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi has stressed the need for a rational and concrete approach ahead of president Cyril Ramaphosa’s meeting with US president Donald Trump on Wednesday. Ramaphosa departs for the US today amid tensions over land reform and South Africa’s legal action against Israel. Despite differences, the US remains South Africa’s second-largest trading partner. He says the meeting should reset and strengthen strategic relations:

# Five of South Africa’s most-wanted cash-in-transit and murder suspects were fatally shot during a police raid on a safe house in Klippoortjie, Boksburg, Gauteng. The suspects had earlier robbed security guards in Dawn Park. An intelligence-led operation by the Sedibeng Tactical Response and Ekurhuleni SWAT teams led to the shootout. Two suspects were arrested, and police recovered firearms, stolen money, and hijacked vehicles. Authorities believe the group was linked to multiple heists across Gauteng.

# Tiger Brands has sold its canned fruit division, Langeberg and Ashton Foods, for a symbolic one-rand to a consortium comprising the Ashton Fruit Producers Co-operative and a development finance institution. The sale includes a 150-million investment in a community trust holding a ten-percent stake in the new company, aimed at supporting local socio-economic development. Tiger Brands will also invest 31-million-rand to upgrade the facility’s effluent plant to meet environmental standards. The company will continue to source KOO-branded canned fruit from the new entity.

# Israel and Hamas resumed ceasefire talks yesterday in Qatar, while Israeli forces ramped up a bombing campaign that has killed hundreds of people over 72 hours. This comes as the Israeli defence force mobilised for a massive new ground assault. Palestinian health authorities said at least 146 people had been confirmed killed in the third day of Israel’s latest bombing campaign, one of the deadliest waves of strikes since a ceasefire collapsed in March. Many hundreds more were wounded in hospitals and countless others buried under rubble.

# And rugby: After an injury scare last week, Eben Etzebeth played a captain’s game for the Sharks, with the Durban side delivering a try-less 12-3 win over the Scarlets in Durban. At Loftus Verveld, the Bulls said farewell to the late Cornal Hendrickes in the best possible way, with a brilliant display of winning rugby, with a nine-try, 55-15 victory over the Dragons. The Lions exited the URC with a fighting, last-minute victory over the Ospreys by 29-28. The Stormers beat Cardiff by 34-24.

Stay tuned for more news………….