News 06:00
BULLETIN 2 April 6 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# A new SARS commissioner will be in office by 1 May
# Panyaza Lesufi includes the EFF’s Nkululeko Dunga in his executive
# And, Keir Starmer calls for stronger European ties as the Iran war strains US relations
# Finance minister, Enoch Godongwana, says the process to appoint a new South African Revenue Service commissioner is complete and awaiting only a formal announcement by president Cyril Ramaphosa. This comes as Edward Kieswetter’s term has come to an end, after seven years at the helm. The incoming head of SARS is expected to officially assume the role on May 1st. Godongwana has praised Kieswetter for rebuilding the revenue service from state capture:
# A team of Cabinet ministers is set to report to president Cyril Ramaphosa on measures to cushion the economy and consumers from rising electricity, food, and transport costs. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the review follows global pressures, including the Middle East conflict’s impact. Ministers are reassessing aspects of the national budget, particularly fuel-related costs. The task team includes finance, energy, and justice portfolios, focusing on urgent interventions as uncertainty around global conditions continues to affect South Africa’s economic outlook.
# A police finance officer attached to the Protection and Security Services has been suspended following allegations of fraud involving millions of rand. An internal investigation found that the officer allegedly used his access to the finance system to withdraw cash meant for travel expenses for presidential protection officers. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the money was reportedly not used for its intended purpose and was instead booked out in large cash amounts:
# Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has made changes to his executive. The EFF’s Nkululeko Dunga has been appointed as the new MEC for Finance and Economic Development, replacing Lebogang Maile, who is now the MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, and Culture, taking over from Matome Chiloane. Nomantu-Nkomo Ralehoko has been reassigned from her role in Health and Wellness to Social Development. Faith Mazibuko will now assume responsibility for the Health portfolio. Lesufi says the changes are aimed at strengthening governance in the legislature:
# UK prime minister Keir Starmer says the global instability caused by the Iranian war means Britain should align more closely with European allies on security and economy. This follows repeated criticism from US president Donald Trump. Starmer told the media the impact of the war would define the next generation and could be similar to the increase in energy prices in the 1970s. He outlined plans for another summit with the European Union soon that he hopes will undo some of the deep damage done by Brexit.
# Rugby: Fiji is looking for a new head coach after sacking Mick Byrne just 18-months from the start of next year’s World Cup in Australia. The governing body announced they parted ways with Byrne by mutual consent. He took over in 2024 and enjoyed victories over Scotland, Wales, and Japan, but had reportedly had a different vision for the team than management. Fiji next plays Wales, England and Scotland in the Nations Championship in July. The island nation is currently ninth in the world rankings.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-78-cents and the euro at 19-rand-44-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-37-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-214-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-779-dollars-32-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 98-dollars-56-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….