News 08:00

BULLETIN 24 April 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The EFF says Masemola’s suspension reflects deeper systemic corruption in the police
# Minister Creecy says two-trillion-rand is required to revitalise the rail system
# And, the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is extended by three weeks

# The ANC has welcomed the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola. He appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court this week, charged with contravening the Public Finance Management Act in connection with the 360-million-rand SAPS health services tender awarded to alleged cartel member, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says they also welcome the appointment of Puleng Dimpane as acting National Police Commissioner, highlighting the need for stability:

Meanwhile, the EFF has criticised Masemola’s precautionary suspension, accusing Ramaphosa of presiding over a culture of impunity within law enforcement. The party says Masemola’s suspension mirrors what it has termed the disgraceful handling of the suspension of Police minister Senzo Mchunu in July last year. The EFF says Masemola’s suspension on full pay confirms a pattern under an ANC-DA-led government of corruption not being punished.

# Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy says the South African economy is losing potential earnings due to its inability to meet the growing demand for the transport of export goods. Currently, about 165 million tonnes of freight are moved annually on the rail network, while market demand is closer to 280 million tonnes. Creecy says the country will need nearly two-trillion-rand in public and private investment over the next 30 years to implement the National Rail Master Plan, positioning rail as the backbone of the country’s logistics and transport system. 

# US president Donald Trump says the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire has been extended by three weeks. This follows a meeting with the ambassadors from the two countries at the White House recently. Intermittent fighting between the Israeli military and Iran-aligned Hezbollah has continued over the past week, with Hezbollah firing rockets at northern Israel after accusing it of violating the previous ceasefire. Trump says there is a very good chance of having peace between Israel and Lebanon:

# Cricket: The Chennai Super Kings have climbed up to fifth in the Indian Premier League table, following a comprehensive 103-run win over the Mumbai Indians, their biggest margin of victory in the competition. Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 101 from 54 balls as he anchored CSK to 207 for six. In reply, Akeal Hosein took four wickets as Mumbai were bowled out for 104 in 19 overs. Samson says it’s very important to respect conditions and adapt your game plan accordingly:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-67-cents and the euro at 19-rand-46-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-43-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-594-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-673-dollars-12-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 99-dollars-96-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….