News 13:00

BULLETIN 11 March 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The IFP is committed to fixing the economy, job creation and combatting crime
# Palestinians begin with Ramadan amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict
# And motorsport: A dream debut in Formula One for Oliver Bearman 

# The Inkatha Freedom Party says political freedom has not delivered social and economic justice for all. The party launched its election manifesto at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban ahead of the 29 May general elections. IFP leader, Velenkosini Hlabisa, says if the party is voted into power, it will focus on fixing the economy, job creation and combatting crime and corruption:

Meanwhile, 76-percent of voters polled in the latest survey by the Brenthurst Foundation say they would be happy for a coalition to govern South Africa – up from 74-percent in October last year. Twenty-nine-percent of the voters preferred the Multi-Party Charter coalition, 25-percent an ANC-DA coalition, and 24-percent an ANC-EFF coalition. The survey shows the ANC’s support has fallen to 39-percent, the DA’s has risen to 27-percent, and Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto we Sizwe Party is at 13-percent.

# Palestinians have commenced the Holy Month of Ramadan amidst a challenging situation due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The shortage of humanitarian aid is exacerbating the difficulties faced by Palestinians, who are observing Ramadan with fasting, prayer, and community events. This has led to renewed fears of violence in Jerusalem, as thousands of Muslims are expected to visit one of the holiest sites in Islam, the al-Aqsa mosque. Thousands of police have been deployed around the Old City in Jerusalem to maintain security.

# Motorsport: British teenager Oliver Bearman says there wasn’t much more he could do to prove he was ready for a full-time position in Formula One. This follows his dream debut when he replaced sick Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz in the weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The 18-year-old delivered an impressive performance to finish seventh. Red Bull’s drivers, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, took the first two positions, followed by Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Bearman was thrilled to score points in his debut race:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-69-cents and the euro at 20-rand-45-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand and Bitcoin trades at 71-thousand-739-dollars-40-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-177-dollars-34-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-30-cents a barrel.

 # And finally: Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, handed over a drone to SANParks to be utilised on Table Mountain. Among its high-tech functions, the drone, valued at approximately 18-thousand-rand, includes a handheld control, an onboard camera, a visual screen, and recording ability. Allen says the Cape Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and West Coast District municipalities have also received drones:

Stay tuned for more news………….