News 17:00

BULLETIN 24 March 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Forum for South Africa calls on the IEC to strengthen its systems ahead of the elections
# Thabo Bester challenges warrants in the High Court linked to his prison escape
# And soccer: Banyana Banyana will face the former World Cup champions in friendly clashes

# The Forum for South Africa is calling on the Independent Electoral Commission to urgently strengthen its electoral systems and restore full public confidence. This is ahead of the local government elections. FOSA leader, Tebogo Mashilompane, says for years, concerns have been raised by opposition parties, civil society, and communities, regarding alleged vote rigging, mishandling of ballot papers, and vulnerabilities within voting processes:

# Convicted murderer Thabo Bester has told the High Court in Johannesburg that his urgent application challenges the validity of warrants linked to his arrest and detention. He argues the legality of his custody in Bloemfontein is central to the charges stemming from his prison escape in 2022. His application also seeks transfer from eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal to the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria. Earlier this month, a separate bid to be transferred to a Gauteng facility was dismissed.

# The Freedom Front Plus says the suspension of the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department deputy Commissioner, Umashi Dhlamini, comes as no surprise. Dhlamini’s name was mentioned in proceedings before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where allegations relating to tender irregularities were raised. FF Plus’ Morné Erasmus says this is not the first time Dhlamini has been removed on precautionary grounds; he was previously suspended on two occasions following charges of alleged corruption:

# Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari says Qatar is not involved in any US-Iran efforts to end the war. During a briefing in Doha he said Qatar’s focus is on ending the attacks on the country and defending its territory. Al-Ansari confirmed there have been no incoming missiles or drones from Iran aimed at Qatar since last Thursday, but they are still in the eye of the storm. According to Al-Ansari the country has had more than 200 drone attacks but over 90-percent have been intercepted.  

# Soccer: Banyana Banyana are set for a stern test in June 2026 when they take on Japan in two international friendly matches. They will meet the Nadeshiko on Saturday, 6 June and Tuesday, 9 June, with both matches taking place in Osaka. Coach Desiree Ellis will use the fixtures as key preparation for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations later this year. Japan were FIFA Women’s World Cup champions in 2011 and won the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Banyana Banyana are also scheduled to play two additional international friendlies in April.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-6-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-83-cents and Bitcoin trades at 70-thousand-871-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-377-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 99-dollars-51-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….