News 14:00

BULLETIN 30 April 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile urges economic policy focus for economic growth 
# The DA says Dingaan Thobela was an inspiration for countless South Africans 
# And Rugby: The twenty-minute red card in Tests faces opposition

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has called on political and government leaders to prioritise policies fostering economic growth. Speaking at the African United Business Confederation roundtable in Sandton, Mashatile emphasised collaboration across sectors to spur employment and trade. He highlighted effective policies’ role in innovation and entrepreneurship, stressing private sector leaders’ responsibility in nurturing these traits for sustained growth:

# The DA says the Rose of Soweto, Dingaan Thobela was more than a boxing champion, he was a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless South Africans. Hailing from Chiawelo, Soweto, he rose to prominence through sheer determination and unparalleled skill, capturing the hearts of the nation along the way. The DA’s Veronica van Dyk says his remarkable career saw him clinch three world titles across two weight divisions, etching his name in the records of boxing history:

# South African National Parks has closed all hiking trails between Newlands and Constantia Nek, including routes to Maclear’s Beacon and the Back Table of Table Mountain National Park. This is due to extensive burning observed on challenging terrain. This closure extends to trails from Camps Bay to Hout Bay due to reported overnight flare-ups behind Newlands, Fernwood Park, and Kirstenbosch slopes moving towards Orangekloof. SANParks urges compliance with closures to aid firefighting efforts. Currently, 40 firefighters are actively deployed across affected areas.

# Rugby: France, England and Ireland are reportedly opposed to World Rugby and Sanzaar’s plans to formally introduce the 20-minute red card to Test rugby. SA Rugby has backed the move. It has been a regular feature in Super Rugby since 2020, allowing a team to replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes. For Sanzaar to introduce the rule, it would need a 75-percent majority of the council vote. The law will be part of this year’s Rugby Championship.

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-68-cents and the euro at 20-rand-5-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-45-cents and Bitcoin trades at 61-thousand-639-dollars-65-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-317-dollars-4-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 87-dollars-37-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The Journey to Jazz Festival, a showcase event of the Prince Albert Community Trust, begins tomorrow until Sunday in the Western Cape. Against the backdrop of the Swartberg Mountains, the festival promises a celebration of music, masterclasses, and community engagement. This year’s lineup includes South Africa’s Afrika Mkhize Quartet, USA/Italy’s Giovanni Guidi Trio and Adam Zanolini’s Heliacal Rising of Sothis from America. The trust says it hopes to showcase the history and beauty of the Prince Albert desert.

Stay tuned for more news………….