News 12:00

BULLETIN 5 March 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA criticises DIRCO for protecting Russian interference in South African democracy
# Minister Kubayi says Shamila Batohi is entitled to her full retirement benefits
# And cricket: The Proteas coach calls their T20 World Cup semifinal defeat to New Zealand a “walloping”

# The DA says the ANC should prioritise upholding the constitutional principles of freedom, democracy, and human rights, while securing prosperous trade relations and economic growth. A study by the Institute for Security Studies, and international journalists in possession of leaked documents from Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, detail targeted cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns against South African opposition parties. The DA’s Ryan Smith says this amounts to an attack on national security:

# Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says former National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, is entitled to her full retirement benefits. Last month, the MK Party filed an urgent court application, seeking to interdict Batohi from receiving her pension benefits, citing her alleged misconduct during proceedings at the Nkabinde inquiry. Kubayi says Batohi was never subjected to a disciplinary process and there are no reasons to object to, withhold, or formally review the payment of full emoluments, benefits, and gratuities.

# The family of late founding leader of COPE Mosiuoa Lekota says funeral arrangements are underway, with a provisional date set for late next week. The 77-year-old died in a Johannesburg hospital yesterday morning. Family spokesperson Pitso Sekhoto says consultations with government and political leaders are continuing. He emphasised the family focuses on celebrating Lekota’s life and legacy, as a national figure whose contribution were recognised:

# Cricket: Proteas coach Shukri Conrad says they were just not good enough in yesterday’s T20 World Cup semifinal defeat to New Zealand in Kolkata. The Proteas, who had entered the knockout clash as tournament favourites and the only unbeaten team, were completely outplayed as the Black Caps sealed a nine-wicket victory to make Sunday’s final. Conrad admitted his team was comprehensively beaten rather than choking under pressure:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-50-cents and the euro at 19-rand-12-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-98-cents and Bitcoin trades at 72-thousand-30-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-146-dollars-22-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-79-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Italian golfer Andrea Pavan will stay in Cape Town for several weeks after being discharged from a Stellenbosch hospital following his freak accident the day before he was supposed to tee off in the South African Open. He stepped into a lift shaft when the doors opened, but the cage wasn’t there and he fell down three stories. Pavan sustained multiple injuries, but says it’s a miracle that he can still walk. He thanked local businessman Johann Rupert for financial assistance while he continues his recovery.

Stay tuned for more news………….