News 09:00

BULLETIN 15 March 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul Mashatile reflects on Mosiuoa Lekota’s legacy during Human Rights Month
# At least 80 killed and many more missing after deadly landslides in Ethiopia
# And rugby: The Stormers end their URC losing streak by overpowering the Bulls at Loftus

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the former Defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota remained committed to the ideals of the Freedom Charter, guided by unity, equality and shared belonging. Mashatile says Lekota believed democracy thrives when diversity of thought is respected. He adds Lekota’s passing during Human Rights Month should prompt reflection on whether South Africa has fulfilled the promise of its Constitution, citing unemployment, gender-based violence and inequality:

# Former president Thabo Mbeki says consistent, stable leadership is crucial for maintaining economic momentum. Mbeki’s stance came as he attributed South Africa’s economic slowdown after 2008 to the political leadership transition that saw him replaced. Mbeki argued that policy uncertainty and governance disruptions following his departure undermined investor confidence and slowed growth, contributing to lingering economic challenges. He emphasised that consistent, stable leadership is crucial for maintaining economic momentum, warning that sudden political shifts can have long-term financial consequences for the nation.

# The Forum for South Africa has warned that rising electricity prices could fuel crime, unemployment and economic decline. Spokesperson Tebogo Mashilompane says tariffs are increasing far above inflation, placing pressure on poor and working-class households. He warns unaffordable electricity could drive illegal connections and criminal activity as businesses and farms may cut jobs as energy costs rise, further straining the fragile economy:

# Three days of mourning have been declared in Ethiopia after 80 people died in landslides triggered by heavy flooding. Many more remain missing after heavy rains struck the country earlier this week. According to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, almost three-thousand-500 people have been displaced by the landslides. Heavy rains have pounded countries across East Africa in recent days. The region is expected to see more rain and governments have urged residents to exercise caution. Climate specialists have predicted that the rainy season has a 45-percent chance of above-average rainfall across most countries in the region.

# Rugby: The Stormers broke a three-match losing streak by winning their United Rugby Championship derby against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. They outplayed the Bulls to an impressive 32-19 victory after leading 10-7 at halftime. The Bulls’ points came from tries by Zak Burger, Kurt-Lee Arendse and a penalty try, while Handre Pollard converted. In addition to a penalty try Damian Willemse, Paul de Villiers, and Hacjivah Dayimani added tries for the Stormers. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added two conversions and two penalties. The Cape Town team leapfrogged to fourth on the URC standings.  

# And finally, the South African Weather Service has issued several severe weather alerts for today across South Africa. A Yellow Level 2 warning for heavy rain has been issued for parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, raising the risk of localised flooding. Meanwhile, extremely hot conditions are expected in the Western Cape and the Northern Cape, with elevated fire danger in the west. Forecasters have urged residents to remain cautious as severe weather conditions affect several regions.

Stay tuned for more news………….