News 17:00

BULLETIN 26 March 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Auditor-general urges stronger oversight in government
# The Hawks investigate arson after the historic Botha Sigcau building is destroyed by fire
# And motorsport: Lewis Hamilton says at 41 he is more committed to F1 than ever

# Auditor-general Tsakani Maluleke has urged executive authority to strengthen oversight on accounting officers across national and provincial government. Presenting the 2024/25 consolidated report, Maluleke stressed accountability, ethical conduct and consequence management. She reported financial losses of over nine-billion-rand due to growing trust deficit and government failures. Only two state owned enterprises got unqualified audits. The AG called for improved procurement controls, better use of audit committees and stronger internal audits:

# The DA has laid criminal charges over the disappearance of more than 630-million-rand in discretionary grants at the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority. The party accuses senior leadership, including acting CEO Nokukhanya Mafahla, of serious governance failures and possible violations of financial and anti-corruption laws. The DA’s Karabo Khakhau calls for a full investigation, recovery of the money, and jail time for those responsible:

# The Hawks are investigating a case of arson following a fire that gutted the historic Botha Sigcau building in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The eleven-storey building, once the government’s headquarters, was destroyed by a massive blaze yesterday. Hawks spokesperson Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana confirmed the probe, saying the cause and motive of the fire are under investigation. Authorities have not disclosed whether there are any suspects. Mhlakuvana says the building’s destruction marks a significant loss of heritage in the region.

# The former president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, will try to convince a federal judge today that the US government is interfering with his ability to defend himself. Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, said last month the government of Venezuela is not allowed to pay his legal fees. He said a license permitting this was initially granted and then revoked. Pollack said this violates Maduro’s constitutional right to defend against the charges.  Maduro and his wife were captured in Caracas in early January and have pleaded not guilty to gun and drug-related charges.

# Motorsport: A rejuvenated Lewis Hamilton says at the age of 41 he was more committed to Formula One than ever before and believes he trains harder than any other driver. The seven-time world champion has made a strong start to the season with Ferrari and is fourth in the championship after two races, 18 points behind leader George Russell of Mercedes. Hamilton endured a nightmare first season with Ferrari last year. However, his fortunes have changed markedly with new regulations and car designs this season, with more overtaking in races than in recent years.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-3-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-65-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-72-cents and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-485-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-440-dollars-13-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 100-dollars-91-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….