News 17:00

BULLETIN 16 March 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The SAPS sergeant Fannie Nkosi denies being a secret agent like “007”
# Minister De Lille invites the public to comment on the Draft Code of Good Practice for short-term rentals
# And rugby: SA Rugby and CANAL-Plus continues its SuperSport partnership

# SAPS Sergeant Fannie Nkosi has denied being a secret agent or assassin, despite being nicknamed “007” by Ze Nxumalo and other associates. Speaking at the Madlanga Commission, Nkosi explained the nickname stems from his zero tolerance to crime profile, not the movie James Bond. Nkosi said he does not identify with such nicknames, including “Knight Rider,” and clarified he is not a licensed-to-kill operative:

# Tourism minister Patricia de Lille has invited the public and tourism stakeholders to comment on the Draft Code of Good Practice for short-term rentals. This follows cabinet’s approval of the 2024 White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa. Spokesperson Aldrin Sampear says the draft aims to guide conduct in the growing home-sharing sector through transparency and inclusive policymaking. Comments close on 12 May 2026:

# The South African Revenue Service has clarified that individual taxpayers must continue declaring crypto asset transactions through their normal income tax returns. This follows the implementation of the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework on 1 March. SARS says while crypto service providers will report certain transactions to authorities, individuals remain responsible for declaring all taxable crypto income. The revenue service warns failure to disclose crypto earnings could result in penalties and interest.

# Germany has responded to calls from US president Donald Trump to assist with keeping shipping lanes uninterrupted in the Strait of Hormuz, by saying it’s not NATO’s war. The comment came after Trump made a thinly veiled threat towards the alliance. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been hardening his position in recent days as the war with Iran continues to show no signs of ending. Berlin also once again reiterated it would not participate in any activity in the strategically-important Strait of Hormuz.

# Rugby: SA Rugby and the CANAL-Plus (ploes) Group reaffirmed their continued partnership with SuperSport. SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer says SuperSport has been at their side for decades, bringing rugby fans all the action, including World Cups, and they are excited to continue this journey. CANAL-Plus’ Director for Sports Content, Rendani Ramovha, says rugby plays an important role in the sports package they deliver to South African audiences, and the partnership with SA Rugby is crucial to delivering the very best in local and international rugby.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-76-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-24-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-26-cents and Bitcoin trades at 73-thousand-892-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-23-dollars-42-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 98-dollars-64-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….