News 11:00

BULLETIN 4 April 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The African Transformation Movement is demanding an investigation into minister Tolashe’s vehicles
# The National Taxi Alliance urges members to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy
# And cricket: The New Zealand Women seal a 2-1 ODI series victory against South Africa

# The African Transformation Movement has written to Parliament’s Ethics Committee demanding an urgent investigation into the conduct of minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe. According to the Daily Maverick, the minister falsely told Parliament that she accepted two luxury vehicles from Chinese officials as donations for the ANC Women’s League. However, in reality, the cars appear to have been given to Tolashe’s two children for their personal use without ever being declared. ATM’s spokesperson, Zama Ntshona, says the minister must be held accountable:

# The National Prosecuting Authority in the Western Cape has confirmed that social media personality Musawenkosi Khawula remains at large in connection with a 2022 murder case. A warrant of arrest was issued after Khawula, known for his celebrity gossip and online commentary, failed to appear in the Vredenburg Magistrates’ Court. Khawula, who is out on bail, faces charges linked to the death of his former partner. Police are actively tracing him, while the NPA says his absence continues to delay justice.

# The National Taxi Alliance is urging its members to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy as thousands of commuters travel for the Easter weekend. Spokesperson Theo Malele says operators expect high passenger volumes and must prioritise safety. Malele has advised drivers to take regular breaks to prevent fatigue and to inspect vehicles before trips. He also warns that rising fuel prices are impacting margins, while calling for safe driving and aiming for a zero-accident Easter period.

# Confidence among contractors in the civil construction sector has declined. The civil confidence index compiled by FNB and the Bureau for Economic Research fell to 43 in the first quarter from 52 at the end of 2025. According to Statistics South Africa, the real value of investment in civil construction was down only 0.2-percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, from a 2.9-percent contraction in the third quarter. FNB senior economist, Siphamandla Mkhwanazi, says this outcome is disappointing:

# The United Nations has emphasised the importance of the Gulf region to international peace and security and its vital role in the stability of the world economy. Iran has carried out daily missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, including in Arab Gulf nations, since the US and Israel launched a war against the country on February 28. UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Khaled Khiari, says escalating hostilities in the region are posing an acute and rapidly growing threat to international peace and security:

# And cricket: New Zealand Women defeated South Africa by 66 runs in the third and final ODI in Wellington, to clinch the series 2-1. Maddy Green led the charge for the hosts, scoring an unbeaten career-best knock of 141 off just 128 balls. She also shared a 211-run partnership with Brooke Halliday as the White Ferns posted 306 for seven in 50 overs. In reply, Laura Wolvaardt was impressive, scoring 69, but this was not enough as the Proteas Women were bowled out for 240 in the 47th over.

Stay tuned for more news………….