News 17:00

BULLETIN 26 February 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cabinet commits to fast-tracking promises that were made in the 2026 state of the nation address
# Paul O’Sullivan apologises to Parliament over his derogatory comments
# And golf: Cabinet approves the hosting of a LIV Golf event in Johannesburg

# Cabinet has reaffirmed its commitment to fast-tracking the implementation of key reforms announced during the state of the nation address, aimed at resolving critical national challenges. The pledge follows president Cyril Ramaphosa’s plans to address the water crisis, fight organised crime, curb foot-and-mouth disease, and fix struggling2 municipalities. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says clear action plans are being put in place and progress will be closely monitored:

# Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has retracted and apologised to Parliament’s ad hoc committee for calling Members of Parliament sycophants during an eNCA interview. O’Sullivan explained his comments were made in response to allegations questioning his integrity. While maintaining that the remarks were contextual, he withdrew the statement and offered a formal apology to the committee. In addition, O’Sullivan walked out of the committee sighting travel emergencies:

# Suspended Ekurhuleni Human Resources head Linda Gxasheka has faced questioning at the Madlanga commission of inquiry over extending Deputy Chief of Police Goodman Mzolo’s contract. It followed testimony by suspended chief Metro Police Isaac Mapiyeye. Gxasheka told the commission the extension was procedural, not an attempt to usurp power, and aimed to maintain continuity while recruitment concluded. She confirmed all approvals included city management and police leadership to ensure accountability:

# North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has warned his country could initiate arbitrary action and completely destroy South Korea if its security was threatened. He revealed plans to expand the country’s nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missiles arsenal, ruling out discussions with South Korea and labelling them as the most hostile enemy. Kim’s comments highlight the increasingly different approaches pursued by Seoul and Pyongyang towards each other. South Korean president Lee Jae Myung responded to Kim’s comments by saying the value his country needs to espouse is peace.

# Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the cabinet has approved the hosting of the LIV golf tournament from 19 to 22 March at the Steyn City golf course in Johannesburg. Additional tournaments are planned for 2027 and 2028, with potential extensions to 2029 and 2030. Each event is expected to generate between 500-million- and 800-million-rand in direct economic impact.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-89-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-52-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-161-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-171-dollars-76-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 69-dollars-64-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….