News 18:00
BULLETIN 21 April 6 pm
Good afternoon. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# France confirms the diplomatic decision on Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit rests with the leaders
# Gareth Mnisi concedes tender irregularities, but defends his decision not to probe fraud
# And, Donald Trump says he does not want to extend the ceasefire with Iran
# The French Ambassador to South Africa David Martinon says any possible state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to France is still under discussion between the two presidencies. This follows reports that French president Emmanuel Macron may extend an invitation after South Africa’s invitation to the G7 summit was withdrawn. Martinon spoke ahead of the Africa Forward summit, co-organised by France and Kenya and happening on 11 and 12 May in Nairobi, Kenya. He said France supports South Africa’s full participation in the G20 and discussions on the matter are continuing through diplomatic channels.
# The Madlanga Commission’s Sesi Baloyi has questioned Tshwane chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi on why he did not open a fraud investigation despite evidence of irregularities. Mnisi said he lacked prima facie grounds at the time to escalate the matter. Baloyi argued procurement reports indicated irregularities suggesting possible fraud. Mnisi conceded the findings but maintained his committee acted within procurement limits, with legal oversight guiding its decision-making process:
# The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department warns of a fake learnership advert circulating on social media, saying no vacancies are currently open for the 2026 Metro Police & Traffic Learnership Programme. Spokesperson Xolani Fihla says the fraudulent posts on TikTok and Facebook did not originate from the City of Johannesburg and are intended to mislead job seekers. He urges the public not to share personal details or make payments:
# President Donald Trump told CNBC in an interview on Tuesday that he did not want to extend a ceasefire with Iran. He added the US was in a strong negotiating position and would end up with what he called a great deal. Washington has expressed confidence that talks with Iran will go ahead in Pakistan, and a senior Iranian official said Tehran was considering joining. With the prospect of last-ditch further peace talks still up in the air, Trump said the US would resume its attacks on Iran if a deal is not struck with Tehran soon.
# Rugby: The Sharks’ Springbok scrumhalf, Grant Williams, will leave for Japan at the end of the season. The 29-year-old’s contract with the Durban team expires in June after he joined the club in 2018. He played the first of his 28 Tests in 2022. The name of Williams’ new team hasn’t been revealed. After his departure, the Sharks will still have the services of two other scrumhalfs, Bok player Jaden Hendrikse and Ross Braude. The Sharks are currently 11th on the United Rugby Championship log.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-38-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-28-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-16-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-106-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-779-dollars-58-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 92-dollars-2-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….