News 14:00

BULLETIN 20 March 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Presidency warns against inflaming US tensions over ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’s return
# Four people are killed and three injured during suspected taxi violence in the Johannesburg CBD
# And motorsport: F1 mourns the loss of Eddie Jordan who died in Cape Town this morning

# The Presidency has cautioned political groups against actions that could worsen diplomatic tensions with the US over the return of ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. It urges restraint in planned homecoming rallies, emphasising the need to manage relations carefully. In a media briefing, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya reaffirmed government’s commitment to diplomatic engagement to prevent further strain:

Meanwhile, foreign investors, including JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, and Franklin Resources, have sold 16.1-billion-rand in South African bonds in March due to concerns over the deteriorating US relations and the potential loss of preferential trade status under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The sell-off has sparked fears of sanctions, especially with speculation that strained ties could lead to economic penalties. Despite this, domestic investors, including Sanlam and Standard Bank, have stepped in, and some foreign investors, like Allianz and BlackRock, have increased their holdings.

# Four people were shot and killed and three injured when a group of armed men started shooting at a taxi rank in the Johannesburg CBD today. One of the injured is a university student who was waiting for a bus. Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says a similar incident took place at Zonkizizwe taxi rank yesterday, leaving three people dead and sparking taxi violence concerns:

# Agriculture union TLU SA has called for strengthened security and resources for the implementation of the farm safety strategy. This comes as Police minister Senzo Mchunu recently stressed to Parliament the need to strengthen security along the Lesotho border to combat cross-border livestock theft. The union’s Gauteng chairperson, Henri Combrink, told Newzroom Afrika that stock theft and farm murders are a major security challenge, costing the country three-billion-rand annually:

# Motorsport: Legendary Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has passed away in Cape Town this morning, aged 76, after a battle with prostate cancer. The Irishman, diagnosed with cancer early last year, founded Jordan Grand Prix, giving Michael Schumacher his F1 debut and securing victories with Damon Hill and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. After selling his team in 2005, Jordan became a respected F1 pundit and entrepreneur. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised Jordan’s unmatched energy and lasting legacy in the sport.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-21-cents and the euro at 19-rand-75-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-58-cents and Bitcoin trades at 85-thousand-376-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-and-32-dollars-75-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 70-dollars-48-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….