News 15:00

BULLETIN 27 March 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Free State is well positioned to drive South Africa’s economic growth
# The ANC counts a loss of 15-million-rand after a conference is halted
# And, athletics: The reigning champion Glenrose Xaba is the favourite to win the SPAR Women’s Challenge

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Free State is well positioned to lead South Africa’s economic growth, citing its strong agricultural base, mining sector, and renewable energy potential. Speaking during a provincial oversight visit, Ramaphosa highlighted its role as a logistics hub and called for better use of existing strengths. He also praised progress in public programmes and urged cooperation to unlock the province’s full potential and improve service delivery:

# The ANC is facing mounting financial losses of abour 15-million-rand after the High Court in East London halted its Eastern Cape provincial conference. According to the party, the money has already been spent on preparations for over a thousand delegates who were to convene today for the weekend elective conference. Provincial chairperson Oscar Mabuyane says the party will appeal the ruling while continuing preparations within legal limits. Mabuyane, seeking a third term, is being challenged by provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi.

# The National Transmission Company South Africa has postponed the launch of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market from April to the third quarter of 2026, between July and September. The delay follows consultations with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa and industry stakeholders, citing the need for further operational and regulatory readiness. CEO Monde Bala says the delay ensures a responsible rollout. He added that the market will improve efficiency, competition, and support long-term energy security once fully implemented.

# Athletics: Reigning champion Glenrose Xaba is the clear favourite to win the 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge in Cape Town this Sunday. After becoming the first athlete to complete a clean sweep of all five SPAR Grand Prix races last year, she is aiming for a historic third overall series title. Over 18-thousand participants will take to the streets for the sold-out event. Starting at Vlei Road in Green Point, the event features 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre routes under the theme #CelebrateHer.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-16-cents and the euro at 19-rand-77-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-84-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-322-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-423-dollars-95-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 103-dollars-32-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Cape Town’s dam levels have dropped to 49.2-percent, with daily water usage at 1 ,2 megalitres litres per day, exceeding the target of 975 -million litres per day. Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien urges residents, businesses, and industries to use water responsibly and only for essential purposes. He says the city is in an early warning phase, saying that if usage continues at this rate, dam levels could fall to 40-percent by May, narrowing the window to avoid water restrictions before November.

Stay tuned for more news………….