News 08:00

BULLETIN 28 March 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul Mashatile calls for deeper SA–China trade ties
# Gautrain enters new phase
# And Joburg City suspends burials and cremations over Easter

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has called for stronger economic cooperation between South Africa and China, urging increased investment in key sectors to support industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable growth. He addressed the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Forum in Cape Town. Mashatile highlighted that China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade increasing by 6.4-percent from about 650-billion-rand in 2024 to nearly 690-billion-rand in 2025:

Mashatile also says ongoing discussions around an Early Harvest Agreement between China and South Africa could see certain South Africa exports receiving permanent zero-tariff treatment, subject to consultations within the customs union. Mashatile identified several priority sectors for investment, including mineral beneficiation, renewable and clean energy, ICT, agriculture, and automotive manufacturing:

# Free State premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae says the government is intensifying efforts to improve service delivery and tackle unemployment. Speaking during an engagement with president Cyril Ramaphosa, at the Provincial Executive Council in Mangaung, she stressed the need for coordinated action, noting that over one million people remain jobless. She highlighted plans to grow sectors including renewable energy, agro-processing, and the digital economy. The premier reaffirmed commitment to building safer, more inclusive communities:

# The Gautrain has reached a significant milestone as its nineteen-and-a-half -year concession with the Bombela Concession Company officially ends. Services will continue without interruption under a holdover agreement with Bombela Operating Company, while final negotiations with the preferred bidder for the next 15-year concession are completed. Gautrain spokesperson Albi Modise says since 2010, Gautrain has contributed 46-billion-rand to Gauteng’s economy, created 245-thousand jobs, and driven transit-oriented development around station nodes:

# Rugby: Director of Rugby John Dobson has shaken up the Stormers starting XV for this evening’s clash against Edinburgh at the Cape Town stadium. The headline change sees Damian Willemse shift to the right wing, a tactical move allowing Warrick Gelant to return at fullback. Up front, a completely overhauled front row features Ntuthuko Mchunu, André-Hugo Venter, and Sazi Sandi, the latter earning his 50th cap. Paul de Villiers and Ben-Jason Dixon also step into the loose trio to bolster the physical contest.

# And finally: Joburg City Parks and Zoo will suspend burial and cremation services on Thursday, 3 April, Good Friday, and 6 April, Easter Monday. Entity spokesperson Jenny Moodley says services will be limited during the public holidays, though Muslim burials will continue via the Johannesburg Muslim Burial Society. Residents and funeral directors are urged to submit requests before the dates to ensure arrangements are accommodated. Services will resume as normal after the holidays.

Stay tuned for more news………….