News 17:00

BULLETIN 28 February 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Maize production rises amid the improved rainfall
# Motorsport: The Marquez brothers are the fastest in Thailand before the first MotoGP race
# And PRASA offers train services for a major sport weekend in Gauteng

# Agricultural analysts are expecting a strong maize harvest due to excellent summer rains following a drought-hit season. The Crop Estimates Committee is forecasting an 8.26-percent rise in the commercial maize crop, with white maize increasing by over 22-percent. Other summer crops, including sunflower and soybeans, are also up. Economist Wandile Sihlobo told SABC News grain production is set to surpass 17-million tons, signaling a recovery:

# The Campaign for Free Expression has criticised AfriForum and Solidarity for their alleged misinformation campaign against South Africa. Executive director Nicole Fritz told Newzroom Afrika that these right-wing groups are actively talking down the country to the US government. The organisations have faced backlash for allegedly using false claims in their lobbying efforts. Fritz calls their actions fundamentally irresponsible and harmful to South Africa’s global standing:

# At least 41 people are trapped after being swept away by an avalanche in the Indian Himalayas. The incident took place near a road construction site in the state of Uttarakhand. Sky News reports at least 57 workers were initially buried under snow, but 16 have been rescued. The Indian Army is taking part in the rescue operation alongside the national disaster and state disaster response forces. The area is five kilometres from the popular Hindu temple of Badrinath, which is visited by thousands of devotees each year.

# Motorsport: Six-time world champion Marc Marquez was upstaged by his brother Alex in afternoon practice heading into the first race weekend of the MotoGP season at Buriram in Thailand. Older sibling Marc, who has joined the Ducati factory team, was fastest in morning practice in fierce temperatures. The 32-year-old Spanish great looked poised to top the timesheets in the afternoon too, until Alex clocked a faster lap late in the session. South Africa’s Brad Binder was 12th fastest, just in front of double world champion Francesco Bagnaia.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-44-cents and the euro at 19-rand-19-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-24-cents and Bitcoin trades at 80-thousand-751-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-861-dollars-99-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-69-cents a barrel.

# And finally: PRASA will provide special Metrorail train services for Gauteng fans attending the Mamelodi Sundowns versus Kaizer Chiefs soccer match in Pretoria, and the Lions versus Sharks rugby game in Johannesburg tomorrow. Soccer fans can travel from multiple stations to Pretoria Station, with shuttles running to Lucas Moripe Stadium. Rugby supporters can take trains from Park Station to Ellis Park, running every 15 minutes. Prasa confirmed it has increased security and urges fans to check schedules online for a smooth travel experience.

Stay tuned for more news………….