News 14:00

BULLETIN 8 April 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Institute of Race Relations will engage with the EFF and the MK Party on alternatives to increasing VAT and BEE
# Tennis: The Charleston Open will double its prize money from next year
# And Warren Eva makes history as the first South African to summit Mount Annapurna

# The Institute of Race Relations says it will engage both EFF and MK Party leaders this week on an alternative to the controversial increase in VAT. The IRR says with some parties who voted against the VAT hike, it is vital to seriously consider alternatives for the increase. The institute’s Makone Maja says one such alternative is ending all BEE procurement premiums paid by government:

# Cosatu’s president, Zingiswa Losi, has urged the G20 employment working group to prioritise a just transition that safeguards jobs to deliver sustainable livelihoods. Speaking in Durban, Losi called for Task Force One to focus on workers and communities in industrialisation strategies. She also stressed the need to reduce inequalities in the workforce to ensure fair labour markets and protect workers’ rights:

# Transnet National Ports Authority has issued a request for proposals to appoint a terminal operator for handling edible oils and compatible cargo at the port of Cape Town. The selected operator will finance, refurbish, construct, operate, maintain, and eventually transfer the liquid bulk terminal over a 25-year concession period. This initiative aims to enhance port efficiency, stimulate economic growth, and ensure compliance with global safety and environmental standards.

# Tennis: The prize money of the Charleston Open women’s tournament in the US will be equal to that of men’s events of the same level from next year. Local player Jessica Pegula won the tournament on Sunday when she beat compatriot Sophia Kenin in the final. The organisers of the WTA 500 event promised to double the winnings from the current 19-million-rand to over 38-million. Tournament owner Ben Navarro says they believe in fostering an environment where all athletes are rewarded for their talent and dedication.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-55-cents and the euro at 21-rand-35-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-90-cents and Bitcoin trades at 78-thousand-929-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-and-6-dollars-20-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-40-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Warren Eva has made history as the first South African to summit one of the most dangerous mountains in the world, Mount Annapurna in Nepal. He reached the summit at eight-thousand-and-91 metres, cementing his place among elite mountaineers. This achievement follows his historic climb of the second tallest mountain in the world, K2 in Asia, in 2022. Despite dangerous conditions, Eva and fellow climber John Black pushed forward to the summit, raising 57-thousand-rand for the charity organisation, Food 4 Hope.

Stay tuned for more news………….