News 09:00

BULLETIN 18 April 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Godongwana confirms VAT increase to take effect on 1 May despite political opposition
# The IMF does not expect a recession despite Trump’s tariffs
# And Tennis: Davidovich Fokina beats Rublev for the first time at Barcelona Open

# Finance minister Enoch Godongwana has confirmed that the 0.5-percentage point VAT increase will proceed as planned on the first of next month, despite the DA and EFF’s court challenges. In court papers, Godongwana argues the VAT hike is necessary to avoid cuts in spending on public services or more debt. He dismissed the DA’s claim the VAT Act is unconstitutional, as the law permits him to announce such increases, provided Parliament approves it. The case is set to be heard in the High Court in the Western Cape on Tuesday.

# New data from TransUnion Africa’s 2025 Consumer Pulse study between January and March shows 31-percent of South Africans now check their credit reports monthly. TransUnion’s Fatgie Adams, told SABC News that over half aim to boost their credit scores, signaling growing financial awareness. However, only 34-percent use reports for fraud prevention despite rising scam attempts. He urges regular credit checks to stay financially fit:

# The head of the International Monetary Fund says the global economy is likely to avoid a recession despite the hit to growth from US President Donald Trump’s tariff rollout. The stop-start US tariff plans have fueled levels of market volatility unseen since the Covid-19 pandemic, and most economists expect the imposition of new import levies will stifle growth and push up inflation, at least in the short term. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva says the Fund now expects “notable” markdowns to growth but no recession.

# The DA in the Western Cape has called on residents to stand together against gender-based violence this Easter. The DA’s Wendy Kaizer-Philander says holidays often see a spike in abuse cases, with over eight-thousand-700 domestic violence incidents reported in the province from October to December last year. She urges communities to remain alert, speak out, and seek help:

# Tennis: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina defeated world number eight Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-4 to reach the Barcelona Open quarter-finals. The Spaniard, ranked 30th, had never beaten the Russian before but triumphed at the sixth time of asking in straight sets. Monte Carlo Masters semi-finalist Davidovich Fokina broke three times in a topsy-turvy first set, with Rublev breaking twice before the Spaniard held serve to clinch the set. Earlier, Spain’s Jaume Munar came up short against Karen Khachanov, who also won 7-5, 6-4, and will face Davidovich Fokina in the next round.

# And finally. Koa Academy is launching a free five-week online entrepreneurship challenge for South African youth aged nine to 16-years, with mentorship from economist Dawie Roodt and musician Majozi. The course set for next month, accredited by Pranary Business School, will teach young learners how to start and grow their businesses. The academy’s principal, Mark Anderson, says learners will receive coaching, develop business plans, and pitch to real investors for possible funding and mentorship:

Stay tuned for more news………….