News 07:00

BULLETIN 17 April 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul Mashatile says education must align with a technology-driven economy
# The government has published a new integrated rhino conservation plan
# And, the US Secretary of Defence says the military blockade on Iranian ports will continue

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile says South Africa must rethink both job skills and broader human development to respond to a changing world. He addressed the 5th Human Resource Development Council summit in Johannesburg yesterday. Mashatile says rapid changes in how people learn and work, driven by technology, shifting demographics, and economic pressures, require a renewed focus on skills and human development. He highlighted the importance of the Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy, which aims to reform the country’s skills development system, reduce unemployment, and better align education with economic needs. 

# The Judicial Service Commission has found Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge guilty of gross misconduct. This overturns a decision by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal, which found him guilty of misconduct, but not gross misconduct, over allegations of sexual harassment. The JSC says Mbenenge’s actions, including pursuing a relationship with a junior court employee, Andiswa Mengo, were grossly inappropriate and incompatible with judicial office. It says it will now ask president Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Mbenenge pending Parliament’s consideration of whether to institute impeachment proceedings against him.

# The minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has announced a revised black and white rhino biodiversity management plan to strengthen rhino conservation in South Africa. The plan combines earlier strategies into one framework to improve coordination between the government, conservation groups, private landowners, and communities. It’s intended to provide a more unified approach to protecting rhino populations, with implementation overseen by the department until a new national coordination committee is set up.

# Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has told the Madlanga commission that allegations of corruption and criminal activity have destroyed his life and affected his family. He is facing questioning over claims of involvement in a kidnapping and extortion racket, a murder cover-up, and receiving money from a police informant. Mkhwanazi denies any wrongdoing and says he does not understand how he became linked to the scandals:

# US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, says they will impose the military blockade on Iranian ports for as long as it takes. On Monday, president Donald Trump announced the military would blockade Iran’s ports in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf after US-Iran talks in Pakistan failed to reach a breakthrough. There is a ceasefire in place between the two countries, but it is due to expire next Wednesday. Hegseth issued a warning to Iran’s military:

# Golf: French duo Agathe Laisne and Ariane Klotz, and American Brianna Navarrosa, share the lead following the opening round of the Joburg Ladies Open at the Randpark Golf Club. The trio opened on seven-under-par after carding 66s. They are one shot clear of Australia’s Justice Bosio, Laura Beveridge of Scotland, and England’s Jess Baker. South Africa’s top-ranked Casandra Alexander, who is three strokes off the lead with a four-under-par 69, says she is happy with the solid start:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-41-cents and the euro at 19-rand-33-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-18-cents and Bitcoin trades at 74-thousand-789-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-777-dollars-72-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 94-dollars-24-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….