News 14:00

BULLETIN 24 March 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Motsoaledi says health funding cuts threaten South Africa’s medical research
# Four people are killed in a crash in Limpopo
# And rugby: Injured Springbok Deon Fourie will miss the Stormers’ match against Ulster

# Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the National Institutes of Health funding cancellation is a major setback for South Africa. Over 4.5-billion-rand in US-funded HIV and TB research grants were terminated over the weekend. Experts estimate NIH funds as 70-percent of South Africa’s medical research. The move could lead to job losses and halted clinical trials. The minister warns of serious impacts on healthcare and scientific progress:

The ANC has meanwhile welcomed the unwavering solidarity demonstrated by progressive members of Parliament from across the world, united under the banner of Progressive International. More than 100 members of Parliament and legislative bodies globally have endorsed South Africa’s independence and have urged US president Donald Trump to revoke his February 7 executive order suspending all aid to South Africa. The ANC says the group’s collective stance reaffirms the enduring power of international solidarity and is a reminder that the struggle for justice, equality, and human dignity transcends borders.

# Four people have died and nine were injured in a crash between a fuel tanker and a stationary bus on the N1 near Pienaarsrivier in Limpopo this morning. The bus had run out of fuel and was parked by the roadside. The tanker caught fire, spreading flames to the bus affecting waiting passengers. Police spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, has asked motorists to exercise caution on the road:

# Rugby: Versatile Springbok forward Deon Fourie will miss this coming weekend’s United Rugby Championship match against Ulster in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was injured during Saturday’s 29-17 victory over Scarlets in Wales. The result catapulted the Cape team from 12th to eighth place on the log, and another victory could land them among the top teams in the competition. The Bulls are currently third and the Sharks fourth, while the Lions’ loss to Cardiff left them in 13th place on the log.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-15-cents and the euro at 19-rand-68-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-54-cents and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-327-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-and-29-dollars-62-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-3-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The City of Cape Town’s Department of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to ending tuberculosis through enhanced prevention, early detection and strengthened adherence support. Today is World TB Day, offering an opportunity to reflect on ongoing efforts and encourage stronger commitment at local, national and international levels to end TB. Mayoral committee member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, says last year, 69-thousand-938 people were tested for TB at City Health facilities, with 12-percent testing positive:

Stay tuned for more news………….