News 15:00

BULLETIN 24 April 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Reserve Bank seizes millions in cash and property from Markus Jooste’s alleged former lover 
# The NPA outlines strategies for asset recovery and combating corruption 
# And golf: LIV’s CEO says they may consider moving to a traditional 72-hole format 

# The South African Reserve Bank has confiscated 42.1-million-rand in cash and an 18-million-rand property from former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste’s alleged former lover, Berdine Odendaal. These assets were frozen three-years ago amid the Steinhoff scandal. Odendaal allegedly received a 60-million-rand loan from a Jooste-linked company. The seized funds and property will be deposited into the state’s National Revenue Fund. Jooste’s assets, including a family trust worth over one-billion-rand, were previously frozen by the bank. He committed suicide on 21 March.

# The National Prosecuting Authority has outlined its strategies for asset recovery and combating corruption. These strategies include partnering with civil society and international experts to secure specialist skills needed for complex corruption cases. Collaboration with international law enforcement agencies is also underway to enhance asset recovery endeavours. During media roundtable discussions, National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, revealed deputy president Paul Mashatile’s visit to the United Arab Emirates includes discussions on the Guptas’ extradition, after other efforts failed:

# Independent candidates in South Africa contesting for legislative seats express frustration over the electoral system’s limitation, allowing only one seat regardless of their vote count. Despite the pledge to adhere to the electoral code of conduct, they perceive this rule as unjust. One candidate, Anele Mda, acknowledges these issues as initial hurdles that may improve in subsequent elections, adding hope for future reforms. Meanwhile, other candidates such as Blessings Ramoba, believes the system warrants legal challenge.

# Golf: The CEO of LIV Golf, Greg Norman, says they may contemplate the idea of moving to a traditional 72-hole format. This follows after former world number one, Jon Rahm of Spain, who joins the tour in December, pointed out it would help unite LIV and the PGA Tour. LIV currently has 54 holes over three-days without any cut after the second round. Norman says LIV is open to the idea of changing the format, but must also consider the economic impact.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-16-cents and the euro at 20-rand-47-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-82-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-617-dollars-96-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-315-dollars-81-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 88-dollars-2-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Families are being encouraged to sign up for the 12th annual Slave Route Challenge, set to take place in Cape Town next month. The popular event is organised by the Brimstone Itheko Sport Athletic Club. The schedule of events accommodates all levels of fitness, including a 21.1-kilometre half-marathon and a five-kilometre fun run or walk. The route itself honours Cape Town’s heritage of slavery, by recognising the crucial role early slaves played in creating a cohesive and culturally diverse community.

Stay tuned for more news………….