News 09:00

BULLETIN 17 April 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Soil of Africa says the ongoing Malema-AfriForum tensions reflect an ideological struggle in South Africa
# FNB says buffers are needed to shield the economy from global shocks
# And rugby: The teenager Zekhethelo Siyaya makes his debut for the Sharks against the Ospreys

# The civil movement Soil of Africa says the ongoing tensions between EFF leader Julius Malema and AfriForum reflect a broader ideological struggle about the direction of the country. Malema was sentenced to five years in prison yesterday for violating firearm laws. AfriForum brought the charges after Malema discharged a rifle during a 2018 EFF rally. Soil of Africa’s Bongani Ramontja says they will not stand by while any formation contributes to division, racial tension, or selective outrage under the guise of advocacy.

Meanwhile, the Forum for South Africa says it is concerned about the growing pattern of selective justice in the country. This follows Malema’s prison sentence, which he is appealing. He has claimed that his prosecution is politically motivated, alleging that a “hidden hand” was influencing the judicial process against him. FOSA leader Tebogo Mashilompane warns that the continued weaponisation of the justice system will destroy what little public trust remains:

# FNB says South Africa has started 2026 with cautious optimism, but global tensions, including the Middle East conflict, are affecting the economic outlook. The bank states the recovery may slow down, but is not expected to stop. It added that local reforms should improve costs and strengthen the economy over time. Koketso Mano says in the housing market, conditions remain positive, but global pressures could slow short-term growth in house prices and mortgage demand:

# The Lebanese army claims that Israel has already committed violations of the ten-day ceasefire that took effect at midnight. Israel has been fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon since the early days of the Iran conflict, claiming the lives of over two-thousand people. The Lebanese army says it has recorded several Israeli attacks, including intermittent shelling, on Lebanese villages. Meanwhile, the US State Department says Israel reserves the right to defend itself at any time, against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks.

# Eighteen-year-old fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya will make his debut for the Sharks against the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship in Swansea on Saturday. He will start alongside Edwill van der Merwe and Ethan Hooker. André Esterhuizen returns to captain the team. Locks Jason Jenkins and Emile van Heerden return to power the lineout, while the front row of Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart and Ox Nché all move to the bench. Phatu Ganyane, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs start in their place. Siya Kolisi remains sidelined with a calf injury.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-40-cents and the euro at 19-rand-33-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-18-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 74-thousand-752-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-794-dollars-52-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 94-dollars-3-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….