News 13:00

BULLETIN 5 February 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The businessman Suliman Carrim is ordered to appear before the Madlanga commission
# A political analyst says the DA battles support despite Steenhuisen’s exit
# And soccer: Morocco is to appeal CAF sanctions after the AFCON final chaos

# The High Court in Pretoria has ruled ANC-linked businessman Suliman Carrim must appear before the Madlanga commission, striking off the roll his urgent bid to block a subpoena. He wanted his classification as a witness reviewed, arguing he was treated as an implicated person without due process. Carrim denies wrongdoing following testimony linking him to alleged influence-peddling and questionable police procurement payments. Judge Denise Fisher found no grounds to halt his appearance, and he is due to testify tomorrow.

# Political analyst Harald Pakendorf says the DA continues to struggle to grow its support base, despite John Steenhuisen confirming he won’t seek a third term as party leader in April. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Pakendorf says Steenhuisen’s guarded responses suggest internal pressure within the party. He warns recent controversies have damaged the DA’s clean image, adding leadership uncertainty could hurt the party as it heads into the local government elections:

# FNB says the recent fuel price reduction, supported by a stronger rand and lower international oil prices, will ease cost pressures for farmers. Diesel prices dropped by up to 57-cents per litre, while both grades of petrol fell by 65-cents per litre, easing one of the biggest cost pressures in planting, harvesting, and farm logistics. The bank’s Koketso Mano says the lower costs could help improve farm profitability:

# Cape Town residents are urged to save water as usage hits nearly one-billion litres a day, exceeding the city’s target. Dam levels are at 60-percent, expected to last until the next rainy season. The mayoral committee member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says there is no immediate threat to water security, but saving water now can prevent future restrictions:

# Soccer: Morocco’s governing body will appeal disciplinary sanctions imposed by African body CAF following last month’s chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal. Morocco lost 1-0 in extra time amid a 14-minute stoppage caused by a Senegalese walk-off, a disallowed goal, and pitch invasions. CAF fined Morocco five-million-rand and handed bans to players, including Achraf Hakimi. The federation called the sanctions disproportionate, while CAF maintains the measures remain in force.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-12-cents and the euro at 19-rand-1-cent. One British pound costs 21-rand-89-cents and Bitcoin trades at 71-thousand-512-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-882-dollars-76-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-33-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….