News 09:00

BULLETIN 18 April 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Mashaba says Meyer’s appointment exposes Ramaphosa’s obsession with white nationalists
# Eskom says the continued reduction in diesel expenditure demonstrates operational improvements
# And rugby: The Blitzboks bounce back to reach the Hong Kong quarterfinals

# ActionSA’s leader, Herman Mashaba, says former National Party politician Roelf Meyer’s appointment as South Africa’s ambassador to the United States exposes the extent of president Cyril Ramaphosa’s fixation with pandering to white nationalists. Spokesperson Omogolo Taunyane says it is shameful that such a strategic appointment for the country’s global image is placed with a 78-year-old enforcer of apartheid. She welcomes the strong opposition by patriotic South Africans over this appointment:

# Eskom says the continued diesel expenditure reduction demonstrates both the cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through its ongoing turnaround efforts. Spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says since the beginning of this month, diesel expenditure is at 172-million-rand, significantly lower than the 1.68-billion-rand incurred in the same period last year, reflecting an 89.76-percent reduction year-on-year. She says overall, this positive trend highlights the growing stability and efficiency of the power system:

# The Durban Regional Court in KwaZulu-Natal has sentenced clearing agent director Rubishen Munsamy after he admitted to 14 counts of fraud linked to customs duties. He was found to have altered import documents submitted to the South African Revenue Service between 2018 and 2019, resulting in a loss of about 15-million-rand. Hawks’ regional spokesperson Simphiwe Mhlongo says Munsamy has been given a suspended prison sentence and correctional supervision, while his company was fined 500-thousand-rand, also suspended on condition of no further offences.

Moving abroad:

# The Global Sumud Flotilla claims thousands of Palestinians are being held in Israeli prisons, including minors, with many detained without charge under administrative detention. The organisation says detainees are subjected to harsh conditions and widespread human rights violations. The group’s Firoza Mayet calls for international intervention, including pressure through the United Nations, sanctions, and accountability measures against Israel.

# And finally, rugby news:

# The Blitzboks are through to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Sevens thanks to a demanding victory over defending champion Argentina in their final group match. South Africa had mixed results yesterday, scraping through against minnows Uruguay before being hammered 31-12 by Spain. But they bounced back big time today, beating Argentina 38-0. Their cause was helped when Argentinian Martiniano Arrieta received a red card for a tip tackle on Zain Davids. Argentina also qualified for the quarterfinals.

And Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will wear the Stormers’ number ten jersey in today’s United Rugby Championship clash with Ireland’s Connacht in Cape Town. The event will be an emotional one for the hosts, who will commemorate their late manager, Chippie Solomon, and also bid farewell to veteran hooker Scarra Ntubeni, who will probably play his final home game before retiring. The Stormers are currently second on the log behind Scotland’s Glasgow Warriors, and have a good chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

Stay tuned for more news………….