News 11:00
BULLETIN 2 April 11 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# The EFF requests the National Assembly’s speaker to withdraw the fiscal framework report
# The Medical Association submits an alternative healthcare framework to the Presidency
# And Israel announces an expansion of its military operation in Gaza
# The EFF has asked National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza, for the withdrawal of the fiscal framework and revenue proposals report due to procedural illegality. The report, which was adopted by the Finance committee, includes the 0.5-percentage point VAT increase. It also includes a recommendation from ActionSA to give Treasury 30 days to find alternative revenue streams to replace the VAT hike. The EFF’s spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo, says the report was adopted without due regard for parliamentary procedure:
Meanwhile, COPE is urging Parliament to adopt a budget that is rooted in equity, not austerity. Parliament’s adoption of the fiscal framework tabled by Finance minister Enoch Godongwana paved the way for the budget to be adopted by vote in the National Assembly today. COPE’s Pakes Dikgetsi says they strongly oppose a VAT hike that will disproportionately harm the poor and vulnerable and worsen inequality:
# The South African Medical Association has submitted an alternative healthcare framework to the Presidency. The plan aims to improve fairness, efficiency, and sustainability in the public and private sectors. It suggests decentralising healthcare management, separating funding and purchasing, and expanding medical schemes to reduce financial strain. The association’s vice-chairperson, Ames Dhai, believes this approach offers a more practical way to achieve universal healthcare without the risks posed by the National Health Insurance system:
# Israeli Defence minister, Israel Katz, has announced a major expansion of the military operation in Gaza, saying large areas of the enclave will be seized and added to the security zones of Israel. The operation will also involve a large-scale evacuation of Gaza’s population from combat zones. Israel resumed air strikes on Gaza last month after two months of relative calm. Katz has called on Palestinians to eliminate Hamas and return Israeli hostages, saying this is the only way to end the war.
# Cricket: Former New Zealand Test captain Kane Williamson is in favour of designated windows for the international game, believing this could help turn the World Test Championship into a more level competition. The International Cricket Council will consider proposed changes to the format later this month following criticism over uneven schedules and a confusing points system. Williamson says the current cycle in which Australia, England and India play far more matches than anyone else, was not ideal. South Africa plays Australia in the final of the current cycle.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-58-cents and the euro at 20-rand-3-cent. One British pound costs 23-rand-99-cents and Bitcoin trades at 84-thousand-75-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-115-dollars-12-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-10-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….