News 09:00

BULLETIN 2 March 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC says the US-Israeli attacks on Iran are a violation of international laws
# Raymond Parsons says South Africa could be affected by the Iran war
# And, two die in a Rovos Rail derailment in Namibia

# The ANC has condemned the joint US-Israeli military strikes in Iran, saying the intensification of hostilities carries serious humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences. Over the past two days, the Middle East has been marked by military strikes and retaliatory attacks, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, says there can be no lasting military solution to fundamentally political conflicts:

Meanwhile, North West University professor Raymond Parsons says South Africa must not underestimate the potential negative economic and business implications that could yet unfold for many countries resulting from the US-Israel attack on Iran. Global oil prices have risen sharply after the airstrikes. Parsons says the latest geopolitical developments have raised key questions about the future stability of the Middle East’s political economy:

# The Ekurhuleni City Manager has asked the Public Protector to investigate a controversial Human Resources Department training tender. In November 2023, the metro awarded a skills training tender to Buena Vista Learning Academy, which was owned by Tsakane Baloyi, who now goes by Tsakane Matlala, the wife of suspected crime boss Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. The tender was initially for 66-thousand-rand but ballooned to over three million-rand. The metro’s spokesperson, Phakamile Mbengashe, says the referral follows prima facie evidence presented at the Madlanga Commission:

# An investigation has been launched after a luxury Rovos Rail train travelling from Windhoek, Namibia, to South Africa derailed, leaving two people dead. The accident occurred on the TransNamib network, which is used by Rovos Rail for cross-border luxury services between the two countries. In a statement, Rovos Rail says the cause of the derailment was a washaway of the last span of a bridge, resulting in the loss of two locomotives and two utility coaches. This follows heavy rains experienced in southern Namibia.

# Cricket: Co-hosts India defeated the West Indies by five wickets in Kolkata to secure a place in the T20 World Cup semifinals. Roston Chase scored 40 as the West Indies posted a competitive total of 195 for four in their 20 overs. In reply, Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls to lead the defending champions to victory with four balls to spare in their last Super Eight match. India will next take on England in the semifinals in Mumbai on Thursday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-5-cents and the euro at 18-rand-92-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-57-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-798-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-363-dollars-53-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 77-dollars-9-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….