News 11:00

BULLETIN 3 March 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Benjamin Netanyahu says the US and Israel’s war against Iran will not take years to end
# The EFF and the SACP plan to host a conference of the left ahead of the local government elections
# And rugby: Rassie Erasmus says Springbok squad depth is crucial this season ahead of next year’s World Cup

# Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back against criticism that the latest conflict against Iran would spiral into an endless war in the Middle East. The joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran has triggered retaliatory strikes across the region, including on countries hosting US military bases. Netanyahu told Fox News Operation Epic Fury is, in fact, something that will usher in an era of peace and democracy in Iran:

South African union federation Cosatu has condemned the attacks, calling them unjustified wars of aggression and a threat to civilians across the Middle East. The federation has urged the United Nations to hold Israel and the US accountable. They call for an immediate ceasefire, expressing solidarity with affected communities. Cosatu’s Zanele Sabela says lasting peace will only come when the people of Palestine can live freely in an independent, sovereign state:

# The EFF and the South African Communist Party will establish a joint working group to participate in preparations for a conference of the left ahead of the local government elections. The conference’s mandate will be to develop a clear, practical programme to defend democratic gains while advancing economic emancipation. The SACP is in a tripartite alliance with the ANC, but has decided to contest the elections independently. The EFF says the bilateral engagement represents an important step towards rebuilding unity among formations of the working class.

# Search and recovery operations have resumed in Ormonde in the south of Johannesburg following yesterday’s building collapse. Six workers were confirmed dead after part of the building under construction at the Sixth Amethyst Business Park gave way. Meanwhile, two bodies have been visualised within the concrete slabs but have not been retrieved, while one person is still unaccounted for. The mayoral committee member for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, says authorities will investigate whether proper construction inspections were conducted at the building.

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says they are well-positioned ahead of a demanding season, emphasising that squad depth will be key. The world champions begin their season with a non-cap match against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June, before launching their Nations Championship campaign against England at Ellis Park on 4 July. Forty-nine players are taking part in a Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town this week. Erasmus has stressed the importance of long-term planning:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-17-cents and the euro at 18-rand-86-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-59-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-18-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-314-dollars-85-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 79-dollars-72-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….