News 13:00

BULLETIN 7 April 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The police clarify the DNA confusion in the Cwecwe rape investigation
# The National Council of Provinces are to hold hybrid sittings on key national issues
# And soccer: South Africa’s Under 17 boys qualifies for the World Cup in Qatar

# Police minister Senzo Mchunu has clarified that DNA was not taken from a third person of interest in the rape case of seven-year-old Cwecwe. The girl was allegedly raped in a school in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape in October last year. The Police Ministry says initial comments of no DNA taken were misinterpreted. It says that two DNA samples have been collected, with further testing underway. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to a thorough investigation, urging the public to avoid misinformation.

# The National Council of Provinces will hold three hybrid sittings this week to discuss motions, committee reports, and national issues. Key topics include a debate on 31 years of democracy, focusing on collective efforts to build a new society rooted in the ideals of the Freedom Charter. The council will also consider oversight reports from various committees, discuss housing inadequacy and informal settlements, and address measures to combat poverty and hunger, emphasizing the enduring legacy of these issues in South Africa.

# The Gauteng Health Department in collaboration with the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases, has extended the registration period for ex-mineworkers in the West Rand District. This is part of a programme to trace ex-mineworkers who may be eligible for social security benefits for work-related illnesses, and possible provident and pension funds due to them. The department’s spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says due to the high demand the registration will now continue until Friday:

# Soccer: South Africa’s Under 17 boys’ national team has qualified for the World Cup in Qatar in November, their first since 2015. Coach Vela Khumalo’s side achieved the feat after they finished as runners-up to Group B winners Burkina Faso at the Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Morocco. South Africa is through to the Afcon knockout stage for the fourth time. Khumalo says he is elated for his players:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-37-cents and the euro at 21-rand-26-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-92-cents and Bitcoin trades at 75-thousand-917-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-and-25-dollars-49-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 62-dollars-92-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The South African Medical Association has stressed that the country’s healthcare system is plagued with various challenges, including understaffing, lack of facilities, and poor governance. This comes as the globe commemorates World Health Day today. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, SAMA chairperson Mvuyisi Mzukwa highlighted poor medication access, and financing. He stressed the need for awareness campaigns on healthy living to ease the system strain:

Stay tuned for more news………….