News 09:00

BULLETIN 6 March 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Government says Vincent Smith’s sentencing reflects its commitment to fighting corruption
# The World Health Organisation has verified 13 attacks on Iran’s health infrastructure amid US-Israeli strikes 
# And motorsport: Lando wants more after winning his first Formula One championship

# Government says former member of Parliament Vincent Smith’s sentence reflects its commitment to intensifying the fight against corruption and ensuring that those who abuse public resources are held accountable. The Johannesburg High Court sentenced Smith to seven years’ imprisonment on charges that include fraud and corruption linked to receiving kickbacks from BOSASA. Government says implementing the recommendations of the Zondo Commission and other commissions of inquiry is a key part of strengthening democratic institutions and restoring integrity in government.

# The DA has written to president Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting a Special Investigating Unit probe into the appointment of Secretary to Parliament Xolile George, his astronomical salary, and alleged irregular payments during the 2023 BRICS Parliamentary Forum. George’s salary reportedly increased from approximately 2.6-million- to 4.9-million-rand within just 17 months. The DA’s Rikus Badenhorst says they have also lodged a complaint with the Public Protector:

# Western Cape premier Alan Winde has emphasised the importance of continued investment in water infrastructure and long-term resilience planning. This is amid ongoing water security challenges affecting several municipalities. He says while some areas, including Swellendam and Laingsburg, have received good rainfall over the past several days, municipalities are still being urged to intensify water-saving measures. Winde adds that the province’s Water Resilience Strategy continues to be implemented across all municipalities:

# The World Health Organisation says the escalating conflict across Iran and the Middle East has killed over one-thousand people, displaced over 100-thousand more and affected 16 countries. Operations at the WHO’s Logistics Hub for Global Health Emergencies in Dubai are currently on hold due to insecurity. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says they have verified 13 attacks on Iran’s health infrastructure and one in Lebanon amid the US-Israeli campaign, killing six healthcare workers and injuring 25 others:

# Motorsport: Reigning Formula One world champion Lando Norris is hungry for more success, with the new season starting in Melbourne, Australia, this weekend. McLaren’s 26-year-old British driver says clinching the championship last season didn’t change his work ethic or his desire to be the best. Norris won last year’s Australian Grand Prix after starting in pole position. The team isn’t too impressed with their cars’ off-season performance this year, with principal Andrea Stella believing they are a step behind Ferrari and Mercedes.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-58-cents and the euro at 19-rand-27-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-17-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 70-thousand-842-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-129-dollars-74-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-65-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….