News 14:00

BULLETIN 6 March 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# TLU SA is concerned about the government’s slow handling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
# Businessman Suliman Carrim seeks in-camera testimony at the Madlanga commission following threats
# And soccer: Minister McKenzie says South Africa is ready to host the postponed Wafcon

# Agricultural organisation, TLU SA, is concerned about the current pace and direction in which government manages the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The organisation is part of the FMD Industry Coordination Council established by minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, to ensure a coordinated effort in supporting the phased rollout of the strategy. Spokesperson Caria van der Merwe says the country does not have the necessary capacity to handle the outbreak effectively:

Meanwhile, Western Cape premier Alan Winde says efforts are underway to contain the spread of the disease, as agriculture is a major economic driver in the province. To date, 41-thousand-and-19 vaccine doses have been administered at 239 vaccination sites across the province. Twenty-nine private veterinarians are now assisting with vaccination efforts. Winde says multiple provincial departments are working closely with municipalities to monitor livestock movement and implement high-visibility enforcement operations on key routes:

# North West businessman Suliman Carrim has applied for his testimony at the Madlanga commission to be heard in camera, citing safety concerns. His lawyer, Kameel Premhid, told the commission Carrim has received death threats and fears public proceedings could worsen the situation. He argues debating the request in an open session, and broadcast live, could undermine the purpose of seeking a closed hearing:

# Eskom says it may initiate credit control measures against 14 municipalities as unpaid electricity debt surpasses 110-billion-rand. The utility has begun issuing notices allowing affected municipalities to respond before further action. Eskom warns electricity supply could be interrupted if debts remain unpaid. Spokesperson Daphne Mokoena says municipalities are reportedly failing to meet conditions of National Treasury’s debt relief programme, raising concerns about financial stability and ongoing electricity sector reforms:

# Soccer: Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie declared South Africa ready to host the postponed Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July, saying the country has the necessary stadiums. African governing body CAF confirmed the postponement after Morocco reportedly wanted out of hosting the tournament, which was scheduled to start on the 17th of this month. McKenzie says if Morocco isn’t willing to proceed, South Africa is ready with all the necessary infrastructure. Bafana Bafana was drawn in Group B alongside Burkina Faso, Tanzania and Ivory Coast.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-63-cents and the euro at 19-rand-27-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-18-cents and Bitcoin trades at 70-thousand-746-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-and-85-dollars-92-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-46-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….