News 16:00

BULLETIN 12 Maart 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Judgement is reserved in the AfriForum matric results case
# Christians march in Durban over religious freedom
# And safety measures are increased for the Oscars over a potential Iranian drone threat

# The High Court in Pretoria has reserved judgment on the Information Regulator’s application for leave to appeal against the ruling allowing matric results to be published in the media. The court previously found using examination numbers protects learners’ privacy while serving the public interest. AfriForum’s Alana Bailey says the civil rights group hopes the long-running case, ongoing for over four years, can now be concluded:

# Thousands of Christians from across KwaZulu-Natal marched through the streets of Durban in protest against proposed measures they believe could lead to state regulation of churches. The demonstration, organised by the South African Church Defenders, began at King Dinuzulu Park and will end at City Hall. Organisers say they are defending constitutional religious freedom and opposing government overreach. A memorandum will be handed to the eThekwini mayor’s office.

# International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola has raised concerns over rising geopolitical conflicts. He warns the Southern African Development Community Council’s ministerial meeting in Pretoria, growing economic volatility, energy and food security risks, and climate-induced shocks affect the region. Lamola urges diplomacy to resolve conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and warns Africa’s worsening debt crisis threatens social spending and development progress:

# The Middle Eastern war led to safety measures being increased for Sunday’s Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles after the FBI issued a warning about a potential Iranian drone threat aimed at the American West Coast. The city’s Sheriff’s Department says it is operating at an elevated level of readiness and increased vigilance. The organisers say they are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of all involved, but are focused on ensuring the event maintains its celebratory atmosphere

# Soccer: South African governing body SAFA plans to cut bonuses for Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana players by up to 25-percent amid a reported 23-million-rand deficit. SAFA says it will no longer use its own funds to top up player bonuses, with payouts now linked to tournament prize money. Under the proposed structure, players could receive between 20-and-45-percent depending on how far teams progress. The plan may face resistance from players, who were reportedly not consulted before the proposal.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-55-cents and the euro at 19-rand-11-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-14-cents and Bitcoin trades at 70-thousand-373-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-174-dollars-47-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 95-dollars-80-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….