News 17:00

BULLETIN 4 March 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Police investigates a robbery at former Free State premier Sisi Ntombela’s farm
# The DA calls for an immediate probe into alleged cash bribes by speaker Mapisa-Nqakula
# And cricket: Aiden Markram is replaced as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad 

# Police in the Free State are investigating a robbery that took place at former premier Sisi Ntombela’s farm house in Holfontein in the Heilbron district this morning. Unknown men robbed the Ntombela’s cellphones and bank cards. Provincial commissioner Baile Motswenyane has mobilised resources to track down the perpetrators.

# The DA has called for an immediate probe into alleged cash bribes by the speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. She is implicated in an affidavit that forms part of a corruption case against a Defence Force contractor, who claims Mapisa-Nqakula solicited more than two-million-rand in bribes during her tenure as Defence minister. Mapisa-Nqakula maintains to be innocent and vows to cooperate with the investigation. DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube confirmed that the party will file a complaint to the Ethics Committee:

# The National Student Financial Aid Scheme says it is actively collaborating with university and TVET college management, as well as student leadership, to ensure a seamless commencement of this year’s academic year. Led by acting chairperson Lourens van Staden, the board and executive management briefed the media on crucial aspects, including the registration process, allowance payments, and the student accommodation pilot project. Van Staden says institutions must pay the February and March allowances followed by direct payments to accommodation companies:

# Egypt is assessing the feasibility of expanding the Suez Canal to enhance transit times and prevent potential blockages in the waterway. Suez Canal Authority chief, Osama Rabie, says the study aims to address logistical challenges and streamline the vital maritime route, responsible for 12-percent of global maritime trade. Rabie anticipates the expansion to ensure complete safety for canal transit. The cost and timeline for the project’s completion remain undisclosed. 

# Cricket: The Proteas’ T20 captain, Aiden Markram, has been replaced as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. The team will be led by Australian captain Pat Cummins. Markram captained the Sunrisers Eastern Cape who won the SA20 for the first two seasons, but Hyderabad ended last of the ten teams in the IPL last year after winning just four of their 14 matches. The IPL starts on the 22nd of this month with the match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-4-cents and the euro at 20-rand-65-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-12-cents and Bitcoin trades at 65-thousand-247-dollars-82-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-82-dollars-97-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 83-dollars-31-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….