News 17:00

BULLETIN 8 April 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# FOSA calls for a probe into the broader criminal network linked to Fannie Nkosi
# The Du Toit’s Kloof Pass fire is largely contained
# And rugby: A young Australian prop rejects Ireland and Ulster’s offer

# The Forum for South Africa is calling for a full and uncompromising investigation into the broader criminal network linked to suspended police sergeant Fannie Nkosi of the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit. He faces multiple charges after police found firearms, cash and six undetected case dockets at his home last week. FOSA leader, Tebogo Mashilompane, says Nkosi’s arrest must be treated as the beginning of uncovering a far broader network of corruption:

# US ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell, says his country is ready to bring billions of rand in investment, but key challenges remain. Speaking in Pretoria, Bozell highlighted concerns around private property rights and ownership requirements for foreign companies. He says these issues may deter major investors. Bozell acknowledges South Africa’s unique history and says US firms have an ethical duty to invest in the country’s future, beyond just profit:

# The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services says a large section of the wildfire in Du Toit’s Kloof Pass has been brought under control. The fire, burning in mountainous terrain above the Trout Farm near the old tunnel, has been fully contained on the Worcester side. The municipality’s Jo-Anne Otto says firefighters are now conducting mop-up operations and ongoing monitoring in the area:

# The Pension Funds Adjudicator has warned retirement funds and administrators to respond to member complaints or face legal action. Adjudicator Lebogang Mogashoa says many funds ignore investigations or delay responses. He has now invoked Section 30-J of the Pension Funds Act, allowing summons and subpoenas against non-compliant entities. Failure to comply could result in criminal charges. He highlighted concerns over high percentage of complaints related to unpaid pension contributions, delays in death benefit payouts and conflicts of interest.

# Rugby: Young prop Massimo de Lutiis decided to stay in his native Australia for another three years after receiving offers from Ireland and Ulster. He is eligible for Ireland through his mother’s citizenship status. The 22-year-old De Lutiis, who plays Super Rugby for the Reds, had been invited to the Wallabies camp twice, but missed out both times through injury. He wants to play for Australia in next year’s World Cup at home, with Rugby Australia’s director of high performance, Peter Horne, describing his decision as a coup.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-30-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-9-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-97-cents and Bitcoin trades at 72-thousand-98-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-799-dollars-86-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 89-dollars-61-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….