News 12:00

BULLETIN 8 April 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A sharp drop is seen in oil prices as a ceasefire is announced in the American-Iranian conflict 
# The Milk Producers’ Organisation credits vaccines for limiting foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks
# And golf: Rory McIlroy is grouped with Cameron Young and Mason Howell as he begins his Masters’ title defence

# Oil prices plummeted by over 13-percent today as geopolitical tensions eased in the Middle-East. Brent crude fell to under 94-dollars per barrel from 109-dollars overnight following a surprise two-week ceasefire announced between the US and Iran. The agreement to reopen the strategically-important Strait of Hormuz sparked a massive global relief rally, with Asian stock markets surging over five-percent. But analysts warn prices remain volatile pending a long-term diplomatic resolution. Reports indicate the International Energy Agency is considering a release of oil reserves that could exceed 182-million barrels to further stabilise the market

United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has welcomed the ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital maritime corridor through which a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, says all parties must abide by the terms of the ceasefire to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region: 

Back home:

# The Milk Producers’ Organisation says government’s vaccination campaign has helped to limit the impact of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks on dairy herds. As of last month, the country recorded over one-thousand-200 cases, with KwaZulu-Natal being the most affected. The organisation’s CEO, Fanie Ferreira, says vaccination programmes have been crucial in maintaining herd health and stabilising supply, but the sector remains under pressure from biosecurity risks and future outbreaks:

# The Gauteng Department of Health is coordinating the safe and clinically supervised relocation of about 200 mental health patients from the Talisman Foundation in Johannesburg. This comes after the property was put up for sale, with vacating required by 14 May. The department’s Kealeboga Mohajane says a task team will manage individual assessments, find suitable licensed facilities, and explore family reintegration. Mohajane adds this process is being managed in accordance with legislative and policy frameworks, with careful attention to the lessons learned from the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

# Golf: Defending champion Rory McIlroy has been grouped alongside Americans Cameron Young and amateur Mason Howell for the first two rounds of the US Masters, which tees off at Augusta in Georgia tomorrow. The Northern Irishman completed the career Grand Slam with last year’s play-off victory. World number one Scottie Scheffler of the US will play alongside Scotland’s Bob MacIntyre and compatriot Gary Woodland. Last year’s runner-up, Justin Rose of England, has been grouped with 2015 champion Jordan Spieth and five-time major winner Brooks Koepka.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-41-cents and the euro at 19-rand-19-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-4-cents and Bitcoin trades at 71-thousand-758-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-800-dollars-18-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 93-dollars-66-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….