News 14:00

BULLETIN 16 April 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# SACCI says the Business Confidence Index hits a high despite global uncertainty
# The DA demands the withdrawal of controversial race rules in deeds offices
# And boxing: A promotor doesn’t believe Tyson Fury will fight again

# The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry says South Africa’s business confidence continues on a positive trend rising from 107.8 in May 2024 to a high of 125.8 in February this year. CEO Alan Mukoki says though March saw a slight dip to 123.5, sentiment remains stronger year-on-year. Mukoki highlighted key drivers including tourism, exports, and lower inflation, but global economic shifts, fiscal uncertainty, and a delayed 2025/26 Budget add pressure. He warns against tax hikes that could dampen business growth and job creation.

# The DA has demanded that Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso withdraw new race rules in deeds offices across South Africa. The rules require property transfer parties to declare their race or risk transaction rejection. The party argues that these regulations infringe on privacy rights and are unconstitutional. The DA points out that the new rules violate the Protection of Personal Information Act and undermine property rights. They are seeking legal advice to challenge them.

# Build One South Africa says it is outraged by the revelation that over 5.2-million-rand earmarked for school infrastructure has been misappropriated in the Eastern Cape. BOSA’s spokesperson, Roger Solomons says according to Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube’s reply in Parliament, the misappropriated funds were part of the School Infrastructure Backlogs Grant and were misused during infrastructure projects managed by the provincial Department of Public Works:

# The ACDP has defended its member of Parliament, Steve Swart’s recent trip to Israel, calling it a legitimate fact-finding mission approved by the party. They rejected criticism from the ANC and the GOOD Party, affirming the right of Christian believers to visit the Holy Land. Party leader, Kenneth Meshoe, reiterates ACDP’s condemnation of Hamas’  October 7 attacks and defends Israel’s right to self-defence:

# Boxing: Promotor Bob Arum doesn’t believe Tyson Fury will make a U-turn over his retirement this time. The 36-year-old British heavyweight fighter surprised in January by calling it quits shortly after losing to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in a world title fight again. Fury retired more than once previously, but Arum doesn’t think he wants to get up in the morning and do road work or train when he doesn’t need the money. He earned an estimated 942-million-rand from winning 34 professional fights, losing two and drawing another.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-89-cents and the euro at 21-rand-46-cents. One British pound costs 25-rand-7-cents and Bitcoin trades at 83-thousand-911-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-301-dollars-84-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-71-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….