News 07:00

BULLETIN 14 March 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA is not surprised by the cancellation of the SAA-Takatso deal
# Court orders the police to prove firearms were tested before destruction
# And rugby: Philip Snyman replaces Sandile Ngcobo as the Blitzboks’ head coach

# The DA is calling for the government including minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan to be held accountable for the South African Airways- Takatso Consortium deal. The minister announced yesterday that the sale of 51-percent shares in SAA to Takatso has been cancelled, with one of the obstacles being the need to revalue the assets of the airline. The DA’s, Mimmy Gondwe, says they believe that the government failed to exercise due diligence before entering into sale negotiations with Takatso:

# United States deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo has urged South Africa to intensify its fight against corruption, citing its role in hindering economic progress and job creation. Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce in Johannesburg, Adeyemo emphasised the need for increased anti-corruption efforts, a faster transition to renewable energy, and growth in the service sector. Adeyemo’s visit aims to strengthen cooperation in combating illicit wildlife trafficking and promoting transparency. He urged the government to make decisions needed for modernisation and to create economic incentives for critical minerals extraction.

# The High Court in Pretoria has ordered the South African Police Service to prove that over 50-thousand firearms handed over during amnesties or confiscated were tested and not linked to crimes before being destroyed. News24 reports this ruling follows legal action by the South African Agri Initiative after the police ignored granted access for Promotion of Access to Information Act applications. The Court has given the police 30 days to produce evidence, despite their argument the request was untimely and unnecessary.

# The Road Accident Fund has been granted an interdict by the Labour Court against the planned strike by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa at the fund’s offices in Pretoria today. The strike in support of the union’s demands and grievances has further been declared unprotected in terms of the Labour Relations Act. Numsa’s spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, says despite the strike being interdict, their call for the fund’s CEO Collins Letsoalo to be removed will continue:

# ActionSA in the Western Cape says gangs are blatantly attempting to disrupt the delivery of services, especially in key City of Cape Town infrastructure projects amounting to economic sabotage. Last week, contractors of the city’s flagship 500-million-rand housing project in Symphony Way, Delft, terminated their agreement, citing persistent extortion and unrest in the surrounding area. ActionSA premier candidate, Angela Sobey, says they have long expressed concern about criminal gangs who operate with near impunity, making demands either to be onboarded as contractors or extorting protection money.

# Rugby: Springbok Sevens assistant coach, Philip Snyman, has been promoted to head coach until July, replacing Sandile Ngcobo. This follows a review following the recent disappointing results of the Blitzboks. Ngcobo has returned to the role of Sevens Academy coach. The Springbok Sevens, who had finished in the top two in 12 of the previous 16 World Sevens seasons, are currently seventh in the standings. SA Rugby CEO, Rian Oberholzer, says the short-term needs of the team are such that for continuity Snyman has been tasked with reviving the Blitzboks’ fortunes.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-58-cents and the euro at 20-rand-34-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-78-cents and Bitcoin trades at 73-thousand-137-dollar-15-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-173-dollars-50-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 84-dollars-9-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….