News 14:00

BULLETIN 3 March 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Inkosi Buthelezi re-affirms South Africa’s commitment to global anti-corruption efforts
# The Gauteng government conducts lifestyle audits on supply chain management and finance officials
# And cricket: New Zealand isn’t reading too much into the Champions Trophy group phase loss to India

# Public Service and Administration minister Inkosi Buthelezi says the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting aims to tackle corruption, which threatens development and public trust. Addressing the summit in Somerset West, Cape Town, Buthelezi reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to fighting corruption through accountability and transparency, highlighting global cooperation in combating corruption and promoting ethical leadership. He urged G20 nations to strengthen their efforts in building resilient governance systems:

# The Gauteng government is conducting lifestyle audits on supply chain management and finance officials, led by the Special Investigating Unit. This move aligns with premier Panyaza Lesufi’s anti-corruption drive. Spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga says the audits are phased, starting with the premier and executives, followed by CEOs of government entities. The initiative aims to strengthen accountability and curb financial misconduct within the provincial administration.

# Cosatu has welcomed the coming into effect of the increase in the nationalm minimum wage of inflation plus 1.5-percent to 28-rand-79-cent per hour from this month. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says this positive increase will help protect workers’ ability to take care of their families. He says it will inject a badly needed stimulus into the economy, spurring growth, sustaining and creating jobs:

# Botswana’s Foreign Affairs minister, Phenyo Butale, has called for increased trade among African nations to reduce dependence on international markets. Speaking in North West, Butale highlighted how many African countries prioritise trade with other continents, hindering local economic growth and development. He emphasised the need to strengthen regional trade ties, urging African nations to support each other’s economies for a more self-sufficient continent:

# Cricket: New Zealand quick bowler Matt Henry says yesterday’s Champions Trophy group match loss to India in Dubai didn’t dent their confidence before Wednesday’s semifinal against South Africa in Lahore, Pakistan. He took five wickets to limit India to 249 for nine, but the Black Caps were then bowled out for just 205 – their first loss of the tournament. Henry says they don’t read much into the defeat since they had been playing good cricket throughout the tournament. India takes on Australia in tomorrow’s first semifinal in Dubai.           

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-63-cents and the euro at 19-rand-45-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-56-cents and Bitcoin trades at 92-thousand-147-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-870-dollars-29-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-48-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….