News 14:00

BULLETIN 24 April 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Jacob Zuma’s bid to remove prosecutor Billy Downer is dismissed
# The ANC says the budget consensus was reached through maturity and dialogue
# And soccer: Champions League qualification is now Manchester City’s target

# Former president Jacob Zuma’s application for leave to appeal the non-removal of lead prosecutor Billy Downer from his arms deal corruption trial has been dismissed by the High Court in Pietermaritzburg. Judge Nkosinathi Chili ruled that Zuma failed to prove Downer’s alleged bias would compromise his right to a fair trial. The court noted that Zuma’s arguments had been previously addressed and dismissed in earlier litigation. Zuma intends to appeal the decision, further delaying the long-running case involving French arms company Thales.​

Meanwhile, Thales has applied for acquittal in the case. Thales’ attorney, Cameron Dunstan-Smith, cited 16 trial postponements and the deaths of key witnesses Pierre Moynot and Alain Thétard. Dunstan-Smith says this has infringed on the company’s right to a fair trial. The National Prosecuting Authority opposes the application, maintaining that the case should proceed despite delays. Thales and Zuma face charges related to a 500-thousand annual bribe linked to the 1990s arms deal.

# The ANC says the reversal of the VAT increase marks a victory for Parliament and South Africans. The ANC, IFP, ActionSA, PAC, Rise Mzansi, BOSA, UDM, GOOD Party, Al-Jamah, and Patriotic Alliance held a briefing following the decision to reverse the VAT hike. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri commended Finance minister Enoch Godongwana and Treasury for respecting Parliamentary processes, and thanked all parties, including those outside the government of national unity, for helping resolve the budget impasse:

# The DA in Gauteng has called for the swift and cost-effective rebuilding of fire-damaged sections at Tembisa Hospital. Following a second fire, the party warns that relocating patients will worsen overcrowding. The party’s Jack Bloom advised against any involvement by the Department of Infrastructure Development, citing its poor track record. He urged that a competent project team is appointed and private sector input is accommodated:

# Soccer: Matheus Nunes says Champions League qualification would be Manchester City’s “Premier League trophy” after a poor campaign. The Portuguese international scored the winner against Aston Villa on Tuesday to lift City to third in the table, four points ahead of seventh-placed Villa. With Liverpool on the brink of the Premier League title and Arsenal sitting comfortably in second place, five clubs are battling for the three remaining places in Europe’s top club competition next season. Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Chelsea are the other sides in the mix.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-70-cents and the euro at 21-rand-30-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-89-cents and Bitcoin trades at 92-thousand-495-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-329-dollars-68-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-68-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….