News 13:00

BULLETIN 4 April 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Godongwana says the appointment of the new head of the Revenue Service comes at a critical time
# Mathews Phosa wants the people to directly elect the president
# And, Iran claims to have shot down a second US warplane over the Gulf

# Finance minister, Enoch Godongwana, says the appointment of doctor Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new South African Revenue Service commissioner comes at a unique and challenging juncture in the country’s economic landscape. Makhubu, a seasoned veteran within SARS, is set to take over from Edward Kieswetter, whose contract officially expires at the end of the month. Godongwana says Makhuba’s appointment comes at a time when fiscal discipline and steady reforms of the past few years are beginning to yield the stability needed for faster growth and investment, amid global uncertainty.

# Former ANC treasurer general, Mathews Phosa, is calling for a review of the Constitution in a bid to restructure South Africa’s electoral system. He is advocating for the direct election of the president by popular vote by citizens rather than the current system, where the president is chosen based on political party affiliation. Speaking to eNCA, Phosa said that he believes the current system allows for too much political “horse trading”:

# Minister of Public Service and Administration Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi has welcomed the implementation of the Public Administration Management Act and the Public Service Amendment Act. The laws that came into effect on Wednesday aim to professionalise the public service sector by shifting powers to heads of department and banning public servants from holding political office. Buthelezi says the reforms will promote an ethical and development-focused public service. He also emphasised that more work is needed to achieve lasting change.

# Department of Water and Sanitation has warned against performing religious and traditional rituals in rivers and dams, particularly over the Easter period, citing severe safety risks and high pollution levels. Churches view rivers and dams as sacred places for rituals, including cleansing, prayer, and connecting with their ancestors. Deputy minister, Sello Seitlholo, told Newzroom Afrika that polluted water not only affects aquatic species but can also be harmful to people:

# Iran says it shot down a second US warplane over the Gulf. This comes after it claimed responsibility for shooting down a two-seater American F-15 fighter jet. The pilot was rescued by US forces, and a search-and-rescue mission is ongoing for another crew member. The American A-10 Warthog was shot at during a search-and-rescue mission. The Warthog pilot was ejected over the Persian Gulf and was successfully recovered. Iran says the aircraft was shot down as its air defence systems targeted it near the Strait of Hormuz.

# And rugby: Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach makes his return from injury for the Stormers in one of several changes for their Champions Cup round of 16 clash with RC Toulon in France today. He partners with Jurie Matthee in an all-new halfback pairing. Up front, props Neethling Fouché and Oli Kebble come into the starting line-up while Deon Fourie provides cover for starting hooker André-Hugo Venter. Connor Evans starts alongside Adré Smith in the second row, with Hacjivah Dayimani making his first start since returning to the Stormers.

Stay tuned for more news………….