News 12:00

BULLETIN 3 March 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ATM calls for accountability following the declassification of IPID’s Phala Phala report
# Rio Tinto gives the green light for a major expansion at its Richards Bay mining operations
# And rugby: Rassie Erasmus says Springbok squad depth is crucial this season ahead of next year’s World Cup

# The African Transformation Movement has welcomed the declassification of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s Phala Phala report. IPID’s investigation focused on the conduct of police members involved in the aftermath of the 2020 burglary at president Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm in Limpopo, where cash was stolen. ATM’s spokesperson, Zama Ntshona, calls for swift legal action where wrongdoing is confirmed:

# International mining group Rio Tinto has given the go ahead for a 7.6-billion-rand investment in the Zulti South project at Richards Bay Minerals, ensuring operations continue until 2050. Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium managing director Werner Duvenhage says this critical move secures thousands of jobs in KwaZulu-Natal by maintaining mineral sand production, as existing pits deplete. He adds the investment is a significant milestone that secures RBM’s future for the next 25 years and reflects its commitment to South Africa, and confidence in the improved stability of the region.

Moving abroad:

# The Communist Party of Swaziland condemns what it calls unlawful military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran, describing the action as a violation of international law and the United Nations’ Charter. It links the tensions to historical Western interference in Iran and warns of further instability in the Middle East. Spokesperson Thokozane Kunene says they reject the lies of the Western media, which attempt to portray this war as a necessary action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. CPS is demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back against criticism that the latest conflict would spiral into an endless war in the Middle East. The joint attack 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:

# 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-24-cents and the euro at 18-rand-90-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-63-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-918-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-320-dollars-95-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-7-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….