News 12:00

BULLETIN 7 April 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC’s National Working Committee is to meet over the future of the government of national unity
# National Assembly members are set for the constituency period engagement
# And tennis: Carlos Alcaraz is happy with the way he is playing heading into the European clay season

# The ANC’s National Working Committee is meeting today to discuss the way forward regarding the government of national unity. The relationship between the two biggest parties in the coalition government, the ANC and the DA, has been strained after the DA voted against the adoption of the fiscal framework last week. Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the DA’s role in the coalition government should not be exaggerated, adding that all parties should work together in terms of the statement of intent.

# Members of the National Assembly will begin their constituency period from today to the 17th. This marks part of the seventh Parliament’s rotational approach, which includes committee oversight, constituency engagement, and plenary sittings. The constituency period allows MPs to engage directly with communities, ensuring meaningful interactions. Each member will use their constituency offices across South Africa to foster connections and address local concerns.

# The Freedom Front Plus in Tshwane says it is unfair and short-sighted of the Gauteng Department of Health to end the contracts of all doctors employed by the metro’s Health Department on 31st March. The doctors were all part of the National Health Insurance pilot programme. The FF Plus’ Rina Marx says they will remain involved in the matter to ensure that doctors’ rights and patients’ needs are protected:

# The Maselspoort Dam near Bloemfontein in the Free State has reached critical capacity following heavy overnight rains. The Mangaung Metro warns residents and resort establishments downstream of Mockes Dam on the Modder River to move movable assets to higher ground. Spokesperson Qondile Khedama advises monitoring water levels and preparing for potential evacuation. Residents should also be cautious of fallen trees and power lines, and motorists are urged to avoid driving through flooded areas.

# Tennis: Four-time Grand Slam champion, Carlos Alcaraz, says he is happy with the way he is playing so far this season. This is despite the Spaniard losing in the semifinals in Indian Wells and suffering a surprising opening-round exit in Miami. The European clay season begins with the Monte-Carlo Masters this week. Alcaraz says he is feeling good and is looking forward to playing well in Monte-Carlo:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-37-cents and the euro at 21-rand-27-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-94-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-211-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-and-25-dollars-49-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-11-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….