News 14:00

BULLETIN 1 April 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The world scrambles before Donald Trump imposes a raft of tariffs
# South African mining firms step up after the US cuts HIV aid
# And cricket: Kraigg Brathwaite resigns as the West Indies’ Test captain

# US trading partners are scrambling to prepare for the latest raft of Donald Trump tariffs, after the US president left unclear who would be targeted in addressing what he says are unfair trade imbalances. Trump, who has been making unprecedented use of presidential powers since taking office in January, says he could announce tonight or tomorrow exactly what reciprocal tariffs will be imposed. According to Trump, the world’s biggest economy has been ripped off by every country in the world, and he is promising Liberation Day for the United States.

Meanwhile, South African mining companies and insurer Discovery are stepping in to fill the gap following US aid cuts to HIV programmes in Africa. The Health Department has asked mining companies to help distribute HIV drugs and expand community outreach. With 7.8-million South Africans living with HIV, experts warn that 25 years of progress could be reversed. Impala Platinum and other firms are set to meet with government to discuss solutions amid rising public health concerns.

# The Border Management Authority, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Institute for Global Dialogue, is hosting a colloquium in Pretoria on border and migration control to curb corruption. Delegates will share scientific solutions for securing South Africa’s borders. This follows the dismissal of 33 officials since April 2023. BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi stresses that corruption remains a major issue that must be eradicated:

# ActionSA Women’s Forum says it is deeply concerning that the Bergville College school in the Eastern Cape appears more focused on protecting its reputation rather than cooperating with law enforcement to ensure justice is served for the seven-year-old girl, Cwecwe, who was raped at the school. The party says schools must be a place of safety for children, not spaces where they are left vulnerable to predators. ActionSA’s Mpumi Edward says they have consistently advocated for zero tolerance against gender-based violence:

# Cricket: Kraigg Brathwaite has stepped down from his role as the West Indies’ Test captain. The 32-year-old led the team in 39 Tests since 2017, winning ten matches and losing 22. The highlights of Brathwaite’s tenure include their first Test victory in Australia in 27 years in January last year. Meanwhile, Shai Hope has replaced Rovman Powell as the T20 captain in addition to his responsibilities as the one-day captain. Cricket West Indies says a new Test captain will be named in the coming weeks.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-36-cents and the euro at 19-rand-83-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-71-cents and Bitcoin trades at 84-thousand-480-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-135-dollars-25-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-9-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….