News 15:00

BULLETIN 8 March 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The IFP is set to contest in all nine provinces as its lists are submitted to the IEC 
# The High Court is to rule on Jacob Zuma’s bid to force prosecutor Billy Downer’s removal 
# And South African consumers allocate almost half of their income to debt repayment

# The Inkatha Freedom Party’s national list committee says it is ready to contest the elections on 29 May. The committee has successfully submitted their national and provincial lists to the Independent Electoral Commission, completing the process yesterday morning. The IFP expressed satisfaction with the concluded process and anticipates active participation in all nine provinces.

# The High Court in Kwazulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, is set to rule on 20 March on former president Jacob Zuma’s latest bid to force the removal of his arms deal corruption prosecutor, Billy Downer. Zuma has accused Downer of prosecutorial bias and believes he won’t receive a fair trial if Downer leads the State’s case against him. The National Prosecuting Authority argues that Zuma’s claims have been repeatedly dismissed and are aimed at delaying his trial. Zuma’s prior attempts have been deemed abusive by the courts. 

# The Gauteng Department of Health has announced the restoration of water supply to several affected health facilities, including Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital and Zola Community Health Centre. Gauteng Health spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says the restoration comes after recent challenges experienced by water utilities:

# Rugby: England coach Steve Borthwick has made three changes to his side for their Six Nations clash with defending champions Ireland in London tomorrow. The home side will be keen to shake off the disappointment of their loss to Scotland in the previous round. Borthwick says continuity is important:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-64-cents and the euro at 20-rand-38-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-92-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-395-dollars-88-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-168-dollars-76-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-60-cents a barrel.

# And finally: South African consumers allocate almost half of their income to debt repayment, with the middle class nearing 80-percent. According to the Eighty20 2023 Credit Stress Report, the fourth quarter saw a decline in outstanding balances and home loan values. Vehicle finance experienced a notable decrease in loan numbers. Stricter credit extension measures are observed as banks write off overdue debts. The outlook remains cautious, with signs of improvement amidst economic challenges.

Stay tuned for more news………….