News 18:00

BULLETIN 10 April 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cyril Ramaphosa says the Kusile power station marks a new era in South Africa’s energy recover
# Paul Mashatile stresses post-settlement support amid title deeds handover
# And, the JMPD foils a stolen vehicle smuggling operation

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the completion of the Kusile power station as a major milestone in South Africa’s energy recovery. Speaking during a visit to the Mpumalanga facility, Ramaphosa said Eskom’s progress has strengthened energy security, with Kusile now fully operational and contributing about four-thousand-800 megawatts to the national grid. He added better performance at the utility has helped reduce load-shedding and restore economic confidence:

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has handed over title deeds to beneficiaries in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, emphasising the importance of effective governance of communal property. He says this is key to safeguarding restored land and ensuring long-term benefits for current and future generations. Mashatile stressed that government will provide post-settlement support to help communities develop and use the land productively. He urged beneficiaries to focus on sustainable agricultural development:

# The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department has intercepted a stolen vehicle in Florida, Johannesburg, in a crackdown on cross-border crime. Officers acted on intelligence to stop the car, reported stolen in Krugersdorp. A Pakistani foreign national was arrested at the scene and is suspected to be linked to a vehicle smuggling syndicate operating across borders. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla says the vehicle was destined for Zimbabwe:

# Inflation in America accelerated last month to its highest rate in nearly two years, as higher oil prices triggered by the US-Israel war in Iran started to spill over into the wider economy. According to the American Labour Department consumer prices climbed 3.3-percent over the 12 months to March, picking up from 2.4-percent in February. It is one of the biggest monthly changes since 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brought an energy shock. Last month’s increase came after the war’s shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz sent oil prices soaring.

# Roadrunning: The DA in the Western Cape says the iconic Two Oceans Marathon showcases the very best of the province, from its breathtaking natural landscapes to its vibrant communities and world-class event management. A total of over 30-thousand athletes will take on the gruelling ultra marathon tomorrow or the half-marathon on Sunday. The DA’s Benedicta van Minnen says the route, including the awe-inspiring Chapman’s Peak Drive, offers participants unmatched views of the coastline and natural splendour:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-35-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-18-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-2-cents and Bitcoin trades at 72-thousand-509-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-775-dollars-89-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 93-dollars-50-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….