News 16:00

BULLETIN 2 April 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC commits to upholding the rule of law following the court ruling against Mapisa-Nqakula 
# Experts are concerned about Eskom’s electricity tariff hike
# And cricket: Ben Stokes won’t play for the defending champion England in the T20 World Cup

# The ANC has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law following the decision by the High Court in Pretoria to strike from the court roll the case between the National Prosecuting Authority and National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. The party affirms its dedication to respecting legal processes and will enforce its integrity and step-aside policies to preserve its integrity. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri says the party is dedicated to allowing the justice system to operate independently:

# Experts have voiced concerns over Eskom’s 12.74-percent tariff hike for the 2024/25 financial year. Energy analyst Adil Nchabeleng warns that the hike may also fuel dissatisfaction ahead of the elections. Last year, Eskom approached the National Energy Regulator of South Africa to approve its retail tariff and structural adjustment application, aimed at bolster its financial standing. Nchabeleng warns the increase will worsen the financial strain on consumers:

# The University of the Western Cape’s council says it believes that by standing in solidarity with Palestinians and advocating for peace, it contributes to a more just and equitable society. The decision reflects the university’s moral values, ethical commitments, and educational principles. The UWC’s spokesperson, Gasant Abarder says the university community strives to uphold the post-apartheid vision and make a meaningful impact in the pursuit of peace and justice for all:

# Cricket: England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, has made himself unavailable for the T20 World Cup starting in the West Indies and America in June. He is currently focusing on building his bowling fitness to be able to play an allrounder role in all formats. Stokes says missing the World Cup and the Indian Premier League will help him achieve this goal. He underwent knee surgery recently and bowled just five overs during the Test series against India. England won the previous World Cup in Australia in 2022.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-83-cents and the euro at 20-rand-24-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-66-cents and Bitcoin trades at 65-thousand-706-dollars-41-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-255-dollars-161-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 88-dollars-55-cents a barrel.

# And finally: A revolutionary taxi group based in Cape Town, the Green Cab, plans to roll out 230 electric vehicles over the next five years, as it phases out its conventional fleet. The company is owned by four women. Managing director, Amiene van der Merwe, says 60 of the vehicles will be owned and operated by Green Cab, and the remaining 170 will be owned and operated by women franchisees. Studies have found electrical vehicles can reduce global warming potential by 20-to-24-percent compared with internal combustion engine vehicles.

Stay tuned for more news………….