News 17:00

BULLETIN 19 March 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa calls for meaningful economic transformation
# ActionSA probes tender allegations linked to Fannie Nkosi at the Madlanga Commission
# And soccer: Bafana Bafana recall three players for the Panama friendlies

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says transformation must go beyond rhetoric and become a deliberate effort to restructure South Africa’s economy and society. Speaking at News24 On the Record Summit in Cape Town under the theme five-million jobs in ten years, Ramaphosa stressed that broadening ownership and participation is key to addressing unemployment. He added that meaningful change may require sacrifices, but is essential to expand economic opportunities and ensure inclusive growth for all citizens:

# ActionSA has raised concern over allegations at the Madlanga Commission involving SAPS officer Fannie Nkosi and Tshwane chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi and Corporate and Shared Services mayoral committee member Kholofelo Morodi. This relates to an alleged WhatsApp exchange regarding the controversial Tshwane Metro Police Department security tender. ActionSA spokesperson Matthew George says an internal investigation into these claims have been launched and it will act decisively if wrongdoing is confirmed:

# The Motor Industry Staff Association has warned of a dangerous trend among Gauteng learners known as ‘chuffing’, where children inhale chemicals from fire extinguishers. The union says the practice poses serious health risks, including seizures, pneumonia and even death. The association’s Phakamile Hlubi‑Majola urges the Department of Basic Education and City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services to step up stronger awareness campaigns:

# Israel reopened the Rafah crossing with Egypt today after nearly three weeks, to allow some wounded Palestinians to leave for ​treatment. This comes after Gaza medics said Israeli strikes had killed four people ‌in the enclave. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said only eight Palestinians, who were injured in Israeli attacks during the two-year war and 17 of their family members, would ​be allowed into Egypt for medical treatment after the crossing reopened. ​ It was unclear how many would be let through ⁠from Egypt back into Gaza.

# Soccer: Veteran playmaker Themba Zwane, and wingers Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Thapelo Maseko, have been recalled to the Bafana Bafana squad for the two home international friendlies against Panama later this month. Coach Hugo Broos has made several changes, some enforced by injury, after admitting he was desperately disappointed with the showing of the side at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Bafana take on Panama in Durban on March 27 and again in Cape Town four days later.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-3-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-55-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-65-cents and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-240-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-558-dollars-34-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 107-dollars-7-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….