News 09:00

BULLETIN 14 March 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africa’s manufacturing output falls by 0.7-percent in January
# Solidarity warns the government not to proceed with national health insurance
# And European leaders criticise the US for the lifting of sanctions on Russian oil exports

# Statistics South Africa says manufacturing production fell by 0.7-percent in January compared to the same month last year. The biggest declines were in wood, paper and printing, as well as iron and steel-related industries, while the petroleum and chemical products sector recorded growth. Stats SA’s Nicolai Claassen says manufacturing sales increased by 2.8-percent in January, but were still down by 3.3-percent over the three months since November last year:

# Solidarity says the government cannot proceed with the National Health Insurance plan while court proceedings are still pending. The organisation argues that a recent ruling by the High Court in Pretoria prevents any further implementation steps until the Constitutional Court has made a final decision on the legal challenges. Solidarity’s Theuns du Buisson says, despite president Cyril Ramaphosa’s claims of preparatory work, any attempt to continue preparations would go against the court order:

# The City of Ekurhuleni and Eskom have reached an agreement to settle 3.4-billion-rand in arrear debt and ensure current electricity accounts are paid on time. Eskom issued a Promotion of Administrative Justice Act Notice announcing its intention to interrupt electricity supply. The City paid 1.7-billion-rand, of the debt with the remaining balance scheduled over 18-months. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokoena says the deal guarantees no immediate risk of supply interruptions.

# The MK Party says it remains committed to unseating premier Thami Ntuli’s coalition government in KwaZulu-Natal. After failing with a vote of no confidence in December 2025, party leaders are now engaging other parties in a second attempt. Provincial chair Willies Mchunu says the party is gaining ground and learning from recent by-elections, where it won four wards. The MK Party is preparing for its first local government election campaign, aiming to convert ground support into broader political influence.

# European leaders have been responding to a US decision to temporarily ease sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil. It will allow countries to buy Russian oil that is already on vessels at sea but has not been sold due to sanctions. European Council president Antonio Costa called it very concerning as it increases Russian resources to wage the war against Ukraine, with president Volodymyr Zelensky saying the move certainly does not help peace. Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney said Canada’s position is to maintain sanctions on Russia, while Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz called the decision wrong.

# And rugby: Former All Black hero Tana Umaga say he is honoured and privileged that his name has been mentioned as a possible appointment as the team’s assistant coach. This followed Dave Rennie’s appointment as New Zealand’s new head coach last week. The former All Black captain is a respected figure in New Zealand rugby, and currently serves as Moana Pasifika’s head coach.

Stay tuned for more news………….