News 12:00

BULLETIN 5 March 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Didiza will assess the impact of the El-Nino-induced drought
# SAFTU raises concern over the privatisation of energy provision 
# And, rugby: Thhe Blitzboks are through to the quarterfinals in Hong Kong

# Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, is set to meet leaders of organised agriculture, relevant departments, and MECs from all provinces, to assess the severity of the El Nino-induced drought. The Crop Estimates Committee recently predicted South Africa’s 2023/24 summer grains and oilseed production could fall by 21-percent year-on-year to 15.2-million tonnes. The department’s spokesperson, Reggie Ngcobo, says the minister will also asses the impact on crop yields and the financial status of farmers:

# The South African Federation of Trade Unions  voiced opposition to the perceived privatisation of energy provision amid reforms in the energy sector. Saftu’s Mogoshadi Maserumule says while Eskom denies direct privatisation, the organisation argues that reforms could lead to private ownership of energy production. He emphasises Saftu’s commitment to a public approach to address the energy crisis, advocating for Eskom’s revitalisation and investment in renewable energy:

# Israel’s security cabinet has approved a series of steps to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, including the temporary reopening of two humanitarian routes. The Erez Crossing in northern Gaza will be temporarily re-opened for the first time since the October 7 Hamas attacks, and Ashdod Port will also be opened for humanitarian deliveries. This comes after US president Joe Biden warned Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu the future of US support for Israel would depend on it taking concrete action to protect civilians.

# Rugby: The Springbok Sevens are through to the quarterfinals in Hong Kong, having won their first two Pool C matches today. The Blitzboks opened with a 22-17 win against Ireland. They scored four tries through Shilton van Wyk, Dewald Human, Quewin Nortjé, and Ryan Oosthuizen, to secure their first win over Ireland in the World Series this season. South Africa then defeated Spain 24-10 in their second match. The Springbok Sevens, who are in seventh place on the log, will face Samoa in their final pool match tomorrow morning.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-65-cents and the euro at 20-rand-21-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-55-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-96-dollars-45-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-290-dollars-63-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 90-dollars-61-cents a barrel.

# And, the latest Radio Audience Measurement data shows the radio industry is thriving in South Africa, with 75-percent of people 15 years and older tuning in weekly for an average of five-hours-and-12 minutes daily. The data shows that as digital platforms grow, broadcast radio co-exists strongly, with 68-percent of social media users and 76-percent of music streamers being weekly radio listeners as well. The Broadcast Research Council of South Africa highlights radio’s resilience across languages and platforms as a key factor for its growth.

Stay tuned for more news………….