News 12:00

BULLETIN 29 March 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cosatu calls on Treasury not to cut progressive allocations in the budget 
# SA Rugby and Spur renew its sponsorship
# And, Boulders Beach ranks 12th among the world’s 50 best beaches

# Cosatu says National Treasury needs to resist the emotional and unhelpful temptation to slash the many important progressive allocations in the budget. These include the freeze on the fuel tax, extending value-added tax exemptions for additional essential food items, and increasing social grants above inflation. This follows the Western Cape High Court officially suspending the 0.5-percent VAT increase. Cosatu’s spokesperson, Matthew Parks, says they will continue to engage Treasury, government and Parliament:

# The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services says two helicopters are airborne again this morning to continue aerial firefighting efforts in the Tokai area of Table Mountain. There are several road closures as a result of the fire in the South Peninsula, including Westlake Drive and Boyes Drive, and Main and Clairvaux Drive. Fire services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, says the fire is not contained yet, and there is some concern that the two fire lines are creeping towards Chapman’s Peak:

# Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Monday alleged a US airstrike hit a prison in Saada holding African migrants, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others. The strike is the latest incident in the country’s decade-long war to kill African migrants from Ethiopia and other nations who risk crossing the nation for a chance to work in neighbouring Saudi Arabia. It will likely renew questions from activists about the American “Operation Rough Rider,” which has been targeting the rebels. The US military did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press.

# Rugby: SA Rugby has renewed its partnership with Spur Steak Ranches for another four years. This sponsorship started in 2022. SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer says as an iconic and loved local brand, Spur’s connection to the national teams in green and gold is one that is forged in the South African-ness of both brands. Spur Corporation chief marketing officer, Vuyo Henda, says they are especially proud to extend the support to the women’s and junior teams, celebrating rising stars and inspiring the next generation.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-54-cents and the euro at 21-rand-12-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-87-cents and Bitcoin trades at 94-thousand-94-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-315-dollars-14-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-97-cents a barrel.

# And finally, Boulders Beach near Cape Town has climbed to 12th place on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Beaches list, a huge jump from 40th in 2023. Famous for its warm waters, golden sands, and resident African penguins, the beach has been recognised for its magical experience. The beach has been praised for its sheltered coves and unique wildlife encounters for both tourists and locals. Cala Goloritzé in Italy tops the list, followed by Entalula Beach in the Philippines and Thailand’s Bang Bao Beach. 

Stay tuned for more news………….