News 08:00

BULLETIN 5 April 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Edward Kieswetter affirms that SARS’ leadership transition will not disrupt operations
# The surviving separated conjoined twin is airlifted from Limpopo to Gauteng for specialised care
# And rugby: Heartbreaking losses for the Bulls and the Stormers in the Champions Cup round of 16

# Outgoing Revenue Service commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, says the organisation’s leadership transition will not affect its service delivery mandate. His tenure concludes at the end of the month, with president Cyril Ramaphosa appointing Ngobani Makhubu as his successor. Kieswetter says he has full confidence in Makhubu, adding they will ensure this transition period does not create instability:

# Former ANC treasurer general, Mathews Phosa, says the Madlanga commission has exposed concerning and deep-rooted corruption within South Africa’s justice system. Ramaphosa received the commission’s interim report in December last year, which identified prima facie evidence of wrongdoing. In some cases, it referred matters for criminal investigation. Ramaphosa has not made the report public. Phosa told eNCA Ramaphosa needs to act decisively on the recommendations:

# The Limpopo Health Department has confirmed the surviving twin of the recently separated conjoined babies has been airlifted from Mankweng Hospital to Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria for specialised care. Premier Phophi Ramathuba’s spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha, says the decision follows consultations between Ramathuba and Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi. He says this will allow a new medical team to continue treatment:

Moving abroad:

# Republican senator John Curtis of Utah says he will not support measures to pass extra funding for the US military operation in Iran without a declaration of war. President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly expected to ask Congress to pass a supplemental funding bill to fund the war. Curtis says he will not support ongoing military action beyond a 60-day window without congressional approval. He adds to accord a president the power to wage a war without a congressional declaration of war is to render that authority void.

# And rugby: The Bulls and the Stormers were eliminated in the Champions Cup’s round of 16. The Bulls lost 25-21 to Glasgow Warriors in Scotland after the hosts scored four tries to the visitors’ two. Earlier, the Stormers recorded a heartbreaking one-point loss to Toulon in France. The hosts won 28-27 despite being down to 13 men when Stormers lock Adré Smith’s second try was disallowed in the dying moments. In other results, Toulouse beat Bristol 59-26, Sale Sharks beat Harlequins 26-17, and Bath beat Saracens 31-22.

Stay tuned for more news………….