News 11:00

BULLETIN 24 April 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa calls for deeper collaboration in advancing South Africa’s development 
# Trump says he is under no pressure to end the war with Iran 
# And soccer: The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is taking 16 fans to the World Cup in Northern America 

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says creating a sustainable, equitable, and thriving economy relies on collective action. He delivered the keynote address at the National Business Initiative’s 30th anniversary in Johannesburg. Ramaphosa says the government of national unity remains focused on driving inclusive growth and job creation, addressing poverty and the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state:

# Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, says creating an environment in which municipalities can function effectively requires the appointment of competent individuals to relevant and suitable positions. The White Paper on Local Government review process will introduce the separation of municipal and political appointments. Hlabisa says if a mayor cannot understand financial statements, budgets and audit outcomes, then that person cannot plan for the operation of a town or city for the next ten years, nor hold the administration to account.

# Parliament’s portfolio committee on Higher Education and Training has expressed serious concern over the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority’s failure to provide evidence to substantiate its expenditure on discretionary grants. ETDP SETA cannot account for 637-million-rand in grants flagged by the Auditor-General. Chairperson Tebogo Letsie says they are also concerned about 42-million-rand earmarked for student stipends that had not been paid. The committee says without proper supporting documentation, the flow of funds cannot be determined.

Moving abroad:

# US president Donald Trump says he feels no pressure to end the war with Iran quickly, despite his original timeline of four to six weeks. He suggests he is comfortable with the status quo of blockading Iran’s ports to inflict economic pain without resuming the war or rushing towards a conclusive deal. Trump says a peace deal will only be made when it’s appropriate and good for the US, its allies and the rest of the world:

# Soccer: Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, says 16 superfans will win an all-expenses-paid trip to watch Bafana Bafana at the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. One lucky fan from every Premier Soccer League team will be selected by a panel of respected figures in South African sport and entertainment, including Robert Marawa and Andile Ncube. McKenzie says the department has secured sponsorship from two big companies:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-62-cents and the euro at 19-rand-42-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-38-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-692-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-681-dollars-72-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 100-dollars-15-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….