News 18:00

BULLETIN 23 February 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A High Court ruling reinforces taxpayer rights in SARS pay-now-argue-later disputes
# The SIU reports Nigerian pastor Omotoso used fraud to stay in South Africa
# And, the Western Cape DA ensures accountability before premier Winde’s address

# A landmark Pretoria High Court judgment is set to reshape suspension-of-payment disputes with the South African Revenue Service. In a 525-million-rand case involving businessman Mario Ferreira, the court found that SARS acted unreasonably in denying a suspension request. Judge Snyman Dyke ruled that Sars relied on incorrect facts and failed to properly assess security offered. Tax experts say the ruling could curb so-called “reflexive no” responses, which is an instinctive rejection that stops a process before it begins. The ruling also seeks to strengthen taxpayer protections. 

# The Special Investigating Unit says Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso built his South African residency on fraud and misrepresentation. Releasing an interim report into maladministration at Home Affairs, the acting head of the SIU, Leonard Lekgetho, says investigations revealed that the immigration system has been treated as a marketplace. Lekgetho reports Omotoso secured entry with a fraudulent work permit, submitted false affidavits, and exploited Home Affairs administrative gaps:

# The DA is conducting a two-day oversight programme in the Garden Route ahead of premier Alan Winde’s State of the Province Address at the Conville Community Centre. The DA’s Gillian Bosman says members of the provincial Parliament will visit key sites, including the Mossel Bay desalination plant, fire-affected areas, clinics, schools, and engage with backyard dwellers. He says the programme aims to ensure promises made in the SOPA reflect real challenges:

# The BBC has apologised after a racial slur was shouted during the BAFTA film awards while two black actors were on stage. An audience member yelled an offensive word as the stars of vampire horror Sinners, Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, presented the first award last night. The BBC attributed the outbursts to an attendee with Tourette syndrome. British newcomer Robert Aramayo won best actor with his performance in I Swear, which tells the real-life story of Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson.

# Soccer: Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed the importance of the National Soccer Identity Workshop for coaches and technical staff in strengthening ties across all teams. He says poor communication created gaps between structures in the past. Broos believes the workshop will improve collaboration, encourage idea-sharing and align leadership efforts. He also stresses that unity is key to building stronger national teams and restoring South Africa’s soccer success:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-97-cents and the euro at 18-rand-85-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-58-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-239-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-156-dollars-26-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-58-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….