News 15:00

BULLETIN 29 February 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cabinet commends the police for the arrests in the AKA murder case
# Transport projects worth 60-million-rand are halted in Cape Town due to extortion threats 
# And Cricket: Cameron Green’s undefeated ton rescues Australia in the first Test against New Zealand 

# Cabinet has commended the South African Police Service for their diligent efforts leading to the arrest of seven individuals in connection with the murder of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. The rapper and his friend were gunned down in Durban in February last year. In a media briefing on the Cabinet meeting outcomes, minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, revealed that two suspects captured in Eswatini are awaiting extradition to the country:

Meanwhile, Cabinet has also welcomed the national budget, showcasing the government’s steadfast commitment to economic management and tough decisions for a balanced deficit and economic growth. Briefing the media, minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the budget focuses on critical priorities and support for vulnerable citizens. Measures include social assistance for the impoverished and aid for orphaned children in child-headed households:

# The City of Cape Town says it has suspended seven urban mobility projects due to extortion threats, impacting the local economy. The halted transport projects are to the value of around 60-million-rand. Mayoral committee member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, says extra security has been deployed to safeguard workers on the projects that have not been stopped:

# The Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union is calling on the National Department of Health to urgently fill all nurse vacancies highlighted by the Health Ombud’s report on the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg. Despite a health budget of 848-billion-rand, the union is concerned about the allocation for addressing staff shortages, especially with a significant percentage of nurses over 50 years of age nearing retirement. The union’s Lerato Mthunzi calls for urgent action to ensure ample healthcare services for all citizens.

# Cricket: Australia reached 279 for nine at stumps on the first day of the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington. The visitors were rescued by an undefeated century by Cameron Green, while none of the other batters could reach 50. Mitchell Marsh scored 40, Usman Khawaja 33 and Steve Smith 31. Matt Henry claimed four wickets and William O’Rourke and Scott Kuggeleijn both two. Australia clinched the T20 series before the Test matches, 3-nil. The final Test will be played in Christchurch from next Friday.

Stay tuned for more news………….