News 11:00

BULLETIN 15 March 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Senzo Mchunu is ready to resume ANC political duties
# Job losses and milk shortage feared as foot-and-mouth-disease rules hit the dairy industry
# And Tennis: Sinner topples Zverev to reach the Indian Wells final

# Police minister Senzo Mchunu is ready to resume his political duties within the ANC, after he voluntarily stepped aside from the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee. President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of police interference. Speaking at Mchunu’s prayer rally in Durban, his spokesperson, Sithembiso Mshengu, says Mchunu will write to the ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula on the decision:

# COSATU has urged government to intensify efforts to combat illicit goods and customs fraud. The federation says the planned national programme to disrupt the illicit economy including illegal imports and under-invoicing threaten local industries, jobs and tax revenue. COSATU’s Matthew Parks has called for stronger inspections at ports, tougher prosecutions and better coordination between South African Revenue Service, police and other authorities:

# The minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has pledged increased funding for the creative sector. Speaking at the South African Film and Television Awards last night, McKenzie thanked filmmakers and television professionals for sustaining the industry despite financial struggles. McKenzie acknowledged that government has not done enough. He promised to push for greater investment and stronger support for the sector, saying meaningful change will be seen through improved conditions. Stake holders have also been called to invest and support the industry.

# South Africa’s dairy industry has warned that new regulations linked to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease could lead to milk shortages and job losses. The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa says restrictions on dairy exports and processing may force companies to stop collecting milk from some farmers. Industry leaders warn the situation could disrupt the entire dairy value chain, threaten food security and place significant pressure on producers and workers across the sector. The resurgence of the disease across seven provinces is creating enormous financial pressure, with losses in the sector already exceeding one-billion-rand.

And sports news:

# Tennis: Jannik Sinner will face Daniil Medvedev in the Indian Wells final after the Italian beat Alexander Zverev 6-2 6-4 to reach the final in California. The world number two fired eight aces, produced 18 winners and committed just 13 unforced errors, while winning seven of his eight net points. The 24-year-old Italian has not dropped a single set throughout the tournament. In the second semifinal Carlos Alcaraz’s bid for a third consecutive Indian Wells title was brought to a halt by a Medvedev, who swept past the world number one 6-3, 7-6.

And more news from Indian Wells: Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina moved into the finals, setting up a rematch of their Australian Open Grand Slam title clash. World number one Sabalenka powered past Linda Noskova in straight sets, while twice Grand Slam champion Rybakina overcame Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina also in straight sets. Today’s title match will mark the third final between Rybakina and Sabalenka in the last six months. Rybakina has won their previous two encounters, with the WTA Finals trophy in November and securing the Australian Open title six weeks ago.

Stay tuned for more news………….