News 15:00

BULLETIN 1 April 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The IEC highlights trust and renewal ahead of the elections
# Home Affairs expands its smart ID services to 110 bank branches
# And rugby: Springbok lock RG Snyman is ruled out for the rest of the season

# Electoral Commission chairperson Mosotho Moepya says the country is entering a critical phase ahead of this year’s local government elections. He was speaking at the unveiling of the election logo under the slogan, “Get Up Show Up Vote” in Gauteng. Moepya described the moment as a re-affirmation of democratic values. He stresses free and fair elections remain non-negotiable, with the commission committed to transparency, accountability, and restoring voter trust:

# The Department of Home Affairs exceeded its target of rolling out the Digital Partnership Model to 100 bank branches, with 110 now live nationwide. FNB joined Capitec and Standard Bank in offering smart ID replacement services, expanding access by 44-percent in just three weeks. Department spokesperson André Gaum says citizens can replace lost green ID books or smart IDs within minutes without prior booking, supported by secure fingerprint and facial recognition technology.

# Five people have died in a crash on the N1 near Modimolle in Limpopo this morning. The collision involved a bakkie and a car, with the cause still unclear. Emergency services remain on the scene as recovery operations continue. Traffic is being redirected, with the northbound lane towards Polokwane affected and possible temporary closures expected. Authorities say details are still preliminary, including the number of injured, as investigations continue. The accident occurs amid increased Easter holiday traffic volumes.

Limpopo’s premier, Phophi Ramathuba, meanwhile says the province is ready to welcome holidaymakers and pilgrims over the Easter weekend. Thousands of pilgrims are expected to converge at the Zion Christian Church and Saint Engenas ZCC headquarters, both in Moria, east of Polokwane, for the Easter conference. Provincial government spokesperson Thilivhali Muavha says enforcement authorities are on high alert already to ensure everyone’s safety:

# Rugby: A ruptured knee ligament has ruled Springbok star lock RG Snyman out for the rest of the season. The 31-year-old sustained the injury during a recent United Rugby Championship fixture for his Irish club, Leinster. This marks the third knee injury of his career and the recovery time is usually between six and nine months. Fortunately for Bok coach Rassie Erasmus, several replacements exist in the squad. Established names include Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortjé, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Jean Kleyn, Salmaan Moerat and Franco Mostert.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-80-cents and the euro at 19-rand-48-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-35-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-594-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-744-dollars-20-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 100-dollars-68-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….