News 08:00

BULLETIN 3 April 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Presidency says the DA can’t be part of a government whose budget it opposed
# ActionSA says it is committed to shielding citizens from unjust tax hikes
# And World leaders criticise Trump’s sweeping new global tariffs

# The Presidency says president Cyril Ramaphosa will take time to reflect on a way forward with a governing partner, the DA, that acted as an opposition against the budget fiscal framework. The DA voted against the budget, which was passed with 194 members of Parliament voting in favour while 182 against. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says it will be difficult for the DA to be part of a government whose budget it opposed:

Meanwhile, ActionSA has welcomed the passing of the budget fiscal framework, saying it remains unwavering in its commitment to shield South Africans from unjust and unnecessary tax hikes. Except for the DA and the Freedom Front Plus, all other government of national unity partners backed the budget, which proposes a 0.5-percent value-added tax increase. ActionSA’s, Athol Trollip, says they chose to recommend changes to the fiscal framework rather than amend it outright because an amendment would have required the budget to be redone:

# One of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso’s alleged victims, Cheryl Zondi, has expressed her disappointment following the acquittal of Omotoso and his two co-accused on 32 charges. Zondi, who testified in the rape and human trafficking trial, spoke about the abuse she endured during international church trips. She says the verdict denies justice, expressing concern that it may encourage abusers and worsen the situation for future victims:

# World leaders have reacted with anger to US president Donald Trump’s sweeping new global tariffs. He has announced a baseline of 10-percent tariffs across all countries, with rates going even higher for 60 countries deemed the worst offenders, including China, South Africa, and Thailand. Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi says they will counterattack if the US continues to engage in blackmail. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese called the new tariffs unwarranted, while his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, says the tariffs could lead to a trade war.

# Cricket: Fast bowler Mohammad Siraj and batter Jos Buttler starred for the Gujarat Titans in their eight-wicket victory against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League. Liam Livingstone’s 54 helped RCB post 169 for eight, with Siraj taking three wickets. In reply, Buttler scored an unbeaten 73 off 39 balls as the Titans reached the target with 13 balls to spare. The result leaves both teams tied in third place on the log with two victories and a defeat from their three games.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-82-cents and the euro at 20-rand-56-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-60-cents and Bitcoin trades at 83-thousand-600-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-147-dollars-50-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-94-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….