News 13:00

BULLETIN 16 April 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The FF Plus says Malema case strengthens accountability in public office
# RISE Mzansi says Roelf Meyer’s primary mandate must be economic diplomacy
# And tennis: Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Barcelona Open with a wrist injury

# The FF Plus welcomes EFF leader Julius Malema’s sentence of five-years direct imprisonment, saying the ruling reinforces the rule of law and confirms no-one is above the Constitution. Spokesperson Heloïse Denner says the sentencing remains subject to appeal, meaning he can continue to serve as a Member of Parliament until the process is finalised. She says Malema’s conduct raises serious concerns about suitability and respect for democratic institutions:

# RISE Mzansi is calling for a principled, values-based fresh approach to tackling South Africa-US relations, following the appointment of Roelf Meyer as ambassador to Washington. The party’s spokesperson, Mabine Seabe, says Meyer’s primary mandate must be economic diplomacy. He says the stakes for South African workers and businesses have never been higher, with over 600 American companies currently operating in the country, employing more than 250-thousand citizens:

Forum for South Africa says Meyer’s appointment comes at a critical time as both countries look to improve diplomatic relations. Meyer replaces former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who was expelled from Washington last year. FOSA leader, Tebogo Mashilompane, says Meyer must have a clear plan on how to stabilise and strengthen diplomatic relations with the US, including repairing trade relations:

# The Communications Risk Information Centre says the conflict in the Middle East is beginning to affect South Africa’s communications sector. The sector depends on diesel for backup power, on secure planning to move equipment and maintain sites, and on digital payment systems to keep commerce flowing. CEO Thokozani Mvelase says if diesel becomes more expensive or harder to secure, if logistics slow down and if vulnerable infrastructure comes under greater pressure, the effect is felt in connectivity, operating costs and consumer confidence.

# Tennis: Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open due to a right wrist injury, sparking fears over his participation at the French Open. The 22-year-old Spaniard was due to play Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac today, but following medical tests, was forced to withdraw. This is the second time in three years injury has forced him to withdraw from the clay-court tournament. Alcaraz says he will start his recovery as soon as possible, hoping to be fit for upcoming tournaments in Madrid and Rome.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-40-cents and the euro at 19-rand-32-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-20-cents and Bitcoin trades at 74-thousand-838-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-809-dollars-48-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 93-dollars-13-cents a barrel

Stay tuned for more news………….