News 06:00

BULLETIN 27 March 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says South Africa is not being snubbed by France
# Chief Justice Mandisa Maya calls for language reform in courts
# And, Donald Trump says Iran is begging to make a deal

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has downplayed France’s decision to rescind South Africa’s invitation to the G7 Summit scheduled for June. The president has attended the G7 meetings on several occasions as a guest of the host nation. Reportedly, France decided due to pressure from the US, which allegedly threatened to boycott the gathering if South Africa participated as a special guest. Ramaphosa says retraction of the invitation does not mean the country has been snubbed: 

# South African Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago says South Africa’s three-percent inflation target remains achievable despite global shocks, including rising oil and commodity prices from the Middle East conflict. While short-term inflation may rise above four-percent, Kganyago told the media that prudent monetary policy, a stable policy rate of 6.75-percent, and careful monitoring of risks will help bring inflation back to target over the next two years:

# Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has urged reform of language use in courts to improve access to justice. Speaking at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, Maya said language rights are fundamental, not administrative. Maya criticised English as the sole language of record, calling for greater use of indigenous languages. The lecture, held with the Pan South African Language Board, highlighted fairness, constitutional compliance, and reducing reliance on interpreters.

# Suspended Tshwane mayoral committee member for Corporate Services, Kholofelo Morodi, has presented a report following alleged links to tender fraud in the city. Morodi was asked to step aside amid issues raised at the Madlanga Commission. Mayor Nasiphi Moya says public representatives must account for when concerns arise. She adds that Morodi was initially unable to respond due to personal circumstances. The city will now assess the report to determine further action

# US president Donald Trump has reiterated that Iran is begging to make a deal, saying that it’s up to the Tehran leaders to convince him to halt the war. Earlier this week, Iran dismissed a US peace plan that reportedly demanded the regime give up its nuclear programme and limit its ballistic missiles. Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House yesterday, Trump said the US will continue its military campaign if Iran does not permanently abandon its nuclear ambitions:

# Motorsport: Kimi Antonelli says his maiden Formula One win had given him more “awareness” of his potential as he and Mercedes look to capitalise on their early-season advantage in Japan. The 19-year-old Italian came home first at the Chinese Grand Prix to become the second-youngest race winner in history behind Max Verstappen. Mercedes claimed one-two finishes at both grands prix so far in 2026, with Antonelli’s teammate George Russell winning in Australia. Antonelli said his approach would not change in Japan, but admitted his win had boosted his confidence.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-10-cents and the euro at 19-rand-68-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-79-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-750-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-408-dollars-93-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 100-dollars-91-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….