News 08:00

BULLETIN 15 March 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The US declares South Africa’s ambassador persona non grata in a comment on a social media platform
# The Postbank urges SASSA clients with gold card to transition before the deadline
# And soccer: Liverpool loses Alexander-Arnold to injury before the League Cup final

# US secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday declared Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the US, persona non grata. Rubio said on the social media platform X, Rasool is  a “race-baiting politician” who hates America and president Donald Trump. Rubio’s comment followed news reports in Washington about a lecture Rasool had given on Friday to a South African think tank, in which he claimed Trump was leading a global white supremacist movement. South Africa’s Department of International Relations said in response they will engage through diplomatic channels.

# Postbank has reiterated calls to SASSA clients with the gold card to transition to the black card before 20 March. Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe says clients who fail to switch before the deadline will still access their funds, however, they will need to visit their nearest Post Office to withdraw their money. She says the transition aims to improve payment security for grant beneficiaries:

# The Minerals Council South Africa says unlocking the full potential of the mining sector could help prevent further tax hikes. They argue that expanding the mining industry could help boost the economy and generate significant revenue for the government, reducing the need for additional tax burdens on businesses and citizens. The council’s Allan Seccombe urges the government to provide a stable mining policy, improved infrastructure, and better electricity supply to boost growth.

# City of Cape Town urges residents to report potholes as part of its ‘fix it before winter’ campaign. With over one-thousand-400 potholes reported monthly, the city aims to repair as many as possible before heavy rains cause further damage. The city warns that burst pipes also damage roads and assures prompt repairs. Mayoral committee member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, says early reporting allows for quicker repairs, improving road safety:

# And soccer: Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the League Cup final against Newcastle with an ankle injury that leaves the defender facing an extended spell on the sidelines. Alexander-Arnold was injured in the second half of Liverpool’s Champions League last 16 penalty shoot-out defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. The 26-year-old’s absence is a huge blow to Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who is without a recognised right-back for tomorrow’s showdown with Newcastle at Wembley. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, the usual candidates to replace Alexander-Arnold, are both still recovering from injuries.

Stay tuned for more news………….