News 08:00

BULLETIN 4 April 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Lamola says peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through diplomatic engagement
# Minister Creecy urges motorists to drive responsibly during this Easter period
# And, Burkina Faso’s military leader says democracy is not for his country

# Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, says South Africa remains steadfast in its position that the only viable path forward in the Middle East conflict is through diplomatic engagement and a commitment to a peaceful and lasting resolution. The minister recently had a substantive discussion with the Iranian Foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi. Lamola says in the discussion that he expressed concern regarding the escalating loss of civilian life and the worsening humanitarian situation in the region. He added that he reaffirmed South Africa’s call for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities.

# The construction sector has warned that sharp fuel price increases could disrupt infrastructure development and project delivery. Petrol rose by over three-rand per litre and diesel by more than seven-rand per litre on the 1st of April, prompting temporary government relief. Construction Alliance South Africa says higher fuel costs will impact transport, materials, and machinery operations. The sector is calling for urgent collaboration, as ongoing global instability continues to drive fuel price volatility.

# As the Easter long weekend period gains momentum, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has urged motorists to drive safely and obey the rules of the road. The Easter period traditionally sees increased traffic volumes as travellers head to religious gatherings and holiday destinations. Law enforcement officers are monitoring hotspot routes, including the N1, N3, N4, and N7. Creecy has highlighted the main causes of serious crashes during holiday periods, including drunk driving and speeding:

# The Department of Basic Education has reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with stakeholders following a memorandum from Autism Matters and partners amid Autism Awareness Month. Spokesperson Terence Khala says inclusive education remains a key priority for the department. He adds that concerns are being addressed through existing structures such as White Paper 6 and the Inclusive Education Directorate. He confirmed ongoing consultations aimed at achieving coordinated and sustainable solutions for all learners:

# Burkina Faso president Ibrahim Traoré says the people of his country must forget about democracy. This comes just three months after his government dissolved all political parties in the West African nation. He seized power in a coup in September 2022. Traore, who has gained widespread admiration from the African diaspora for his anti-Western rhetoric, says wherever Western powers try to establish democracy in the world, it’s always accompanied by bloodshed. He says he is building a new system rooted in sovereignty, patriotism, and revolutionary mobilisation.

# And cricket: The Punjab Kings made it back-to-back wins following a five-wicket victory over the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ayush Mhatre scored 73 off 43 balls, the third-highest score in IPL history by a batter before turning 19, to lead the Super Kings to a competitive total of 209 for four in their 20 overs. In reply, captain Shreyas Iyer top scored with 50 off 29 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh scored 43 from 34 balls as Punjab secured the victory with five balls to spare.

Stay tuned for more news………….