News 13:00

BULLETIN 13 March 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A Sadec summit contemplates withdrawing its military force from the DRC
# Cabinet welcomes the national budget to balance fiscal stability and social support
# And the family of late Judge Yvonne Mokgoro seeks justice as her partner stands trial

# Leaders of the Southern African Development Community are holding a virtual summit today to decide on withdrawing the Sadec’s military force from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. A report by Defence chiefs suggests ending the mission, calling its mandate untenable. Recent clashes with M23 rebels left South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania with casualties and 18 troops dead. More soldiers remain trapped in Goma. Discussions will also address a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and security measures.

# Cabinet has welcomed the national budget, saying it strikes a balance between fiscal stability and supporting vulnerable communities. It includes plans to manage debt, sustain essential services, and boost economic growth. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told the media the budget ensures critical services remain funded while protecting low- and middle-income households from economic strain:

Meanwhile, Tax Justice SA says increasing VAT and sin taxes will not raise the revenue government hopes for, but will only boost illicit traders. Despite massive resistance to any tax increases, Finance minister Enoch Godongwana raised the VAT rate by 0.5-percent. Tax Justice SA’s Yusuf Abramjee says instead of tackling the rampant illicit trade that is already robbing the fiscus of 100-billion-rand every year, government has chosen to punish law-abiding businesses and consumers:

# The family of the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro is calling for justice as her partner, David Mmelesi, stands trial for culpable homicide. The former Constitutional Court judge suffered severe injuries in an April 2023 car crash near Kimberley in the Northern Cape. She died in May last year. Mmelesi, who was allegedly driving that night, denies responsibility. The trial continues in the Barkly West Magistrate’s Court with cross-examination today.

# Cricket: Afghanistan hopes to visit Ireland for a multi-format series next year after the Irish had to cancel this year’s tour due to financial reasons. Ireland was scheduled to host Afghanistan for a one-off Test, three one-day internationals and three T20s in August. Cricket Ireland’s CEO, Warren Deutrom, says the decision is part of the management of short-term budgetary constraints. Afghanistan says the two countries are exploring suitable options for the rescheduling of the tour and hope to find a mutually convenient window.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-37-cents and the euro at 19-rand-99-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-80-cents and Bitcoin trades at 83-thousand-243-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-944-dollars-79-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 70-dollars-58-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….