News 08:00

BULLETIN 27 February 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC in the ad hoc committee wants sanctions against Paul O’Sullivan
# OUTA warns the pre-election budget may prioritise politics over reform
# And cricket: The Proteas are through to the T20 World Cup semifinals

# Members of Parliament’s ad hoc committee have threatened forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan with legal action. This comes after he abruptly left the proceedings while being questioned on Thursday, saying he needed to catch a scheduled flight. The committee is probing alleged political interference in the justice system. The ANC’s Khusela Diko Sangoni says they will be pushing for sanctions, which include a fine or imprisonment for O’Sullivan, adding that no one has the right to disrespect Parliament:

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse says the 2026/2027 budget cushions taxpayers and small businesses by withdrawing a proposed 20-billion-rand tax increase. However, the organisation warns that the timing ahead of local government elections raises concerns about political motives over long-term reform. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage says while the relief provides breathing room, fuel levy increases and rising Road Accident Fund debt will continue to put pressure on motorists:

# Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero has survived another motion of no confidence. This comes after the proposer of the motion, Al Jama-ah’s Kabelo Gwamanda, and the seconder, United Democratic Movement’s Yongama Zigebe, were not present in Thursday’s council meeting when the motion was heard. Al Jama-Ah has previously stated that Morero has failed to provide decisive leadership and to deliver on the urgent service delivery needs of the residents of Johannesburg. It also accused him of failing to take into account the concerns raised by coalition partners.

# Iranian Foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, says good progress has been made in the diplomatic engagement with the US. The third round of high-stakes nuclear talks in Geneva, Switzerland, ended with an apparent agreement for another meeting in Vienna, Austria, next week. Araghchi described the talks as one of the most intense and longest rounds of negotiations. He says the meeting concluded with the mutual understanding that they will continue to engage on matters that are essential to any deal, including the termination of sanctions and nuclear-related steps.

# Cricket: The Proteas have officially qualified for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. This follows South Africa’s nine-wicket win against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, coupled with defending champions India beating Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai. The Proteas will now hope to extend their 100-percent record by beating Zimbabwe in their final Super 8s fixture in Delhi on Sunday. Captain Aiden Markram says they are not taking anything for granted:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-90-cents and the euro at 18-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-45-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-171-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-181-dollars-92-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 70-dollars-52-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….