News 08:00

BULLETIN 17 February 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The International Court of Justice rejects South Africa’s plea for more Gaza measures
# Tax Justice SA warns of a mafia state threat amidst anticipated sin tax hikes
# And, a Senegal court blocks president’s bid to delay election

# The International Court of Justice does not see the need for additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians’ rights following Israel’s Rafah offensive. South Africa had asked the court to consider whether Israel’s plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians’ rights. The court concluded what it called the perilous situation in the Gaza Strip and in Rafah particularly demands the immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures set out its order of 26 January.

# Tax Justice South Africa warns potential increases in sin taxes, set to be announced in next week’s budget, could pave the way for criminal networks, pushing South Africa towards a mafia state. Finance minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to reveal significant excise tax hikes on alcohol and tobacco products. Founder Yusuf Abramjee says unsustainable excise taxes and rampant illicit trade cost the country 100-billion-rand annually. Abramjee suggests enforcing existing laws to protect businesses, jobs, and vital revenue for development:

# The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed the dismissal of two senior officials after they were found guilty of non-compliance with procurement prescripts related to personal protective equipment for the Covid-19 pandemic. Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo says three senior managers underwent an internal disciplinary process:

# The Constitutional Court in Senegal has ruled the decision to postpone this month’s presidential election was against the constitution. The court annulled both president Macky Sall’s decree and a contentious bill passed by parliament moving the vote to December. A leading opposition figure hailed the ruling as “a great day for democracy”. Widespread protests have gripped the country, once considered a bastion of stability in West Africa.

# And, rugby: Sharks Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi will play his first match since sustaining an injury in the World Cup final. He was chosen on the bench for this afternoon’s United Rugby Championship encounter against the Stormers in Durban. There are seven Boks in the home team’s starting 15, and Mbonambi and another three on the bench. Lock Eben Etzebeth isn’t available since he had to undergo a knee operation. Kick-off at King’s Park is at 5.05 after the other local derby between the Lions and the Bulls in Johannesburg.

Stay tuned for more news………….