News 13:00

BULLETIN 6 April 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa highlights the Church’s role as moral compass
# The N3 sees heavy traffic but fewer incidents over Easter
# And Tennis, Carlos Alcaraz is ready to return to clay courts

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of churches working with government as a moral compass guiding leadership and service delivery. Speaking in Limpopo, Ramaphosa said churches promote values such as integrity, unity and accountability. He added that government can learn from servant leadership within religious institutions, stressing the need for collaboration to fight corruption, improve governance and build a stronger social compact with citizens:

# The N3 Toll Concession says traffic volumes have been high over the Easter weekend, but incidents were fewer than expected. Chief Operating Officer, Thania Dhoogra, says all toll lanes were opened and law enforcement deployed to manage congestion. Dhoogra urged motorists to drive responsibly, warning that fatigue, poor visibility and drunk driving remain major risks. She emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility as travelers make their way back home:

# The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for damaging waves and scattered storms across parts of the country. A Yellow Level 1 alert is in place along coastal areas between Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape and Kei Mouth Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape, where rough seas may disrupt activities. Inland provinces, including Gauteng, can expect warm conditions with isolated thundershowers. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious, especially along the coast and during storms.

# Three people were killed on Sunday when high winds toppled a tree in northern Germany during an Easter egg hunt. Around 50 were attending the event in woods near the town of Satrupholm when a 30-metre tree fell on the group. The police said in a statement four people were pinned under the tree. A 21-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl died at the scene, while the woman’s 10-month-old daughter later died in hospital. The facility is part of the state-funded child welfare system and supports pregnant women and new mothers in need.

# Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz is eager to get his socks dirty on clay again as he returns to his preferred surface in Monaco to build momentum for his French Open title defence. Alcaraz won his fifth Grand Slam title by beating Jannik Sinner in an epic final at Roland Garros last June, adding to his 2025 clay court triumphs in Monte Carlo and Rome. He said winning the Monte Carlo title proved to be a turning point last season. Alcaraz will open his campaign against either Stan Wawrinka or Sebastian Baez in the second round.

# And finally, the International Pentecost Holiness Church has celebrated Easter by uniting 58 couples in a mass wedding ceremony in Gauteng. The event included first-time and polygamous unions, reflecting the church’s traditions. Thousands of congregants gathered to witness the ceremony, marked by white gowns, traditional attire, and celebration. The church says the weddings strengthen family bonds and uphold cultural and religious values within its community.

Stay tuned for more news………….