News 06:00

BULLETIN 1 April 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says the country has entered a new phase with record investment pledges
# Iran’s president says his country is willing to stop the war with conditions
# And rugby: Eben Etzebeth returns after serving his 12-week ban

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa has entered a new phase of growth, with the country securing the highest-ever investment commitments at the South Africa Investment Conference. Major announcements included a 10.4-billion-rand investment by Toyota in KwaZulu-Natal to support the automotive sector’s energy transition, while Sasol committed 60-billion-rand to modernising operations in Mpumalanga and the Free State. Closing the conference in Sandton on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the reform agenda has proven to be consistent and measurable:

Ramaphosa has, in the meantime, cautioned that while sentiment has improved, the country must now translate commitments into tangible economic activity. This comes as the Conference secured the highest-ever investment commitments. Ramaphosa said there is a gap between improved sentiment on one hand, and greater capital deployment that translates to strong growth and jobs on the other:

# Electricity and Energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa ranks among the world’s top five regions for renewable energy returns, citing high solar irradiation and strong wind resources. Speaking at the Investor Conference in Sandton, Ramokgopa highlighted the Northern Cape–Namibia corridor as a key zone, as well as political stability and mature infrastructure. The minister indicated plans including major grid expansion over 15 years to support future energy needs:

# The Nigerian High Commission has apologised following outrage over a cultural event in KuGompo City, formerly East London, in the Eastern Cape. This follows the alleged coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as the Igbo King on 14 March, which sparked severe backlash, violent protests, and arson in the province. The Commission distanced itself, calling it unofficial, stating that the event was misinterpreted. It also reaffirmed respect for South African traditional leadership, urging calm and cooperation going forward.

# Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, says his country has the necessary will to put an end to the war with the US and Israel, as long as certain requirements are met. He has accused the US of undermining diplomacy, claiming that his country was attacked while negotiations were underway. Pezeshkian has reiterated Iran’s position that any resolution must include safeguards against future attacks. He added that at no point have they sought tension or war, saying the solution to normalising the situation is the cessation of the US-Israeli aggressive attacks.

# Rugby: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has served his ban and is available for the Sharks for Friday’s Challenge Cup match against Connacht in Ireland. He was given a 12-week ban in November for eye-gouging in the Test against Wales. Although Etzebeth wasn’t allowed to play since he had been heavily involved in the Sharks’ training sessions to stay in shape and also attended the Boks’ recent alignment camp. The Durban side won the Challenge Cup in 2024.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-89-cents and the euro at 19-rand-53-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-35-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-95-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-670-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 101-dollars-84-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….