News 18:00

BULLETIN 11 April 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# SARS’ dispute with petroleum companies sparks a jet fuel supply crisis
# Cape Town braces for heavy traffic as cruise ships arrive
# And, rugby: The Free State Stadium’s pitch is upgraded for the historic Test between the Boks and Portugal

# A potential jet fuel crisis is looming at South African airports due to a dispute between the South African Revenue Service and petroleum companies. The Airports Company South Africa warns of diminishing stock levels at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng, raising concerns about reduced fuel supplies. News24 reports the dispute centres on handling procedures for duel purpose kerosene, with the Natref refinery planning a temporary shutdown. ACSA and the South African Petroleum Industry Association are working on contingency plans to maintain adequate stocks to avert the crisis.

In another development the City of Cape Town has warned of significant traffic congestion over the next three days due to the arrival and departure of cruise ships, including the Queen Victoria and the Queen Mary 2. The city says traffic officials will utilise CCTV cameras and signal timing plans to manage queues effectively. It says the increase in marine traffic reflects the growth of the cruise sector, with 67 ships counted this summer season, indicating economic growth through tourism.

# The Alice Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape has released ten additional accused in the University of Fort Hare fraud and corruption case on bail. The university employees and service providers are accused of having colluded in giving each other tender contracts at the university in return for gratifications. NPA regional spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, says Terrence Joubert and Anwar Khan, are set to apply for bail tomorrow:

# ANC councillor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has clinched the position of Ekurhuleni mayor in Gauteng. Despite initial delays in the council meeting, Xhakaza’s unopposed election swiftly resolved the leadership vacuum. The municipality faced recent controversies over financial statements, sparring with the Auditor-General. This follows the removal of former mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana in a vote of no confidence. Premier Payanza Lesufi says continual political disputes within the metro resulted in numerous delays in electing a successor for Ngodwana:

# Rugby: The Free State Stadium’s pitch will be upgraded for the historic first Test between the Springboks and Portugal. The grass will be re-sowed from Monday and is expected to take up to six weeks to settle. This means the Cheetahs’ home SA Cup game against Griquas on 17 May will be relocated. The union says the intervention is essential to maintain the standards expected of the stadium. The Test will be played on the 20th of July after two Tests between South Africa and Ireland.

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-77-cents and the euro at 20-rand-13-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-53-cents and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-630-dollars-71-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-378-dollars-89-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 89-dollars-61-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….