News 15:00

BULLETIN 10 April 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Tshwane Metro Police’s deputy chief outlines contracts and finance processes at the Madlanga commission
# Defend Our Democracy welcomes the historic reform ending cadre deployment
# And motorsport: Piastri welcomes a break in the F1 season to gain on Mercedes

# Tshwane Metro Police Department deputy chief Umashi Dlamini says finance and project management divisions play a key role in managing contracts and service level agreements. Testifying at the Madlanga commission, Dlamini explained processes including procurement planning, legal compliance, and monitoring budgets and payments, with invoices processed within 30-days. He emphasised accountability through quarterly reporting, spending, and service delivery targets that are properly tracked and aligned with municipal regulations:

# Defend Our Democracy has welcomed the signing into law of the Public Administration Management Amendment Act and the Public Service Amendment Act. The acts introduce provisions aimed at enhancing administrative powers, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and improving efficiency in the Public Service. Spokesperson Andries Sibanyoni says for the first time since 1994, the authority to appoint senior officials and make operational decisions within government departments will rest with heads of departments:

# Energy experts say South Africa needs a coordinated push to develop gas import infrastructure and gas-to-power capacity. Concerns are growing over supply disruptions as Mozambiqan gas reserves declines and coal plants are phased out. Speaking at Creamer Media webinar, experts warn that Eskom programmes face delays due to regulatory hurdles. Eskom’s strategic delivery group executive, Alfred Seema, views gas as the quickest and most effective solution for backup and load-following capacity. Analysts warn without urgent decisions and investment, the country risks a major energy shortfall and rising costs.

# A report by Vodacom warns Africa remains highly vulnerable to climate change, with decarbonisation slowed by weak power infrastructure and unreliable electricity supply. The study highlights heavy reliance on diesel generators across key sectors. It says progress towards net-zero emissions requires energy reforms, private sector investment and renewable solutions. The report adds coordinated action is essential to expand reliable, affordable power while supporting economic growth, digital inclusion and long-term sustainability across the continent.

# Motorsport: McLaren’s Australian driver, Oscar Piastri, regards the unexpected break in Formula One as a chance to close the gap on Mercedes. His British teammate, Lando Norris, won the world championship last year with Piastri third, but Mercedes is dominating so far this year, winning the first three races. The Middle Eastern conflict lead to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, and the season will only resume in Miami early next month. Piastri says this gives McLaren more time to prepare.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-40-cents and the euro at 19-rand-22-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-5-cents and Bitcoin trades at 72-thousand-167-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-755-dollars-97-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 93-dollars-61-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….