News 14:00

BULLETIN 2 May 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Sasol’s chief financial official resigns
# Solidarity warns of real estate job losses due to racial regulations 
# And rugby: The Blitzboks’ coach hopes for a top-four finish in Singapore

# Sasol’s chief financial official, Hanré Rossouw, has tendered his resignation after little more than two years in the role. His departure, effective at the end of October, comes amidst a CEO change and challenges in the chemical market. Rossouw’s resignation, which is labelled a big surprise, leaves Sasol amidst a transition period. The company says it appreciates Rossouw’s contribution and leadership during this challenging time. He will facilitate a structured handover before departing. Sasol has initiated the succession process.

# Solidarity warns of potential job losses in the real estate sector due to new racial regulations. According to the union, the regulations require a level eight black economic empowerment score for businesses, with more than 50-percent black ownership, potentially discriminating against white agents. They intend to oppose these regulations to protect their members’ jobs, citing worries about employment impacts and the loss of industry experience and knowledge. Solidarity’s Johan Roos says approximately 30-thousand real estate agents could be affected:

# Nations from the Group of Seven have agreed to work to reduce their reliance on civil nuclear-related goods from Russia, as major industrialised nations work to reset their energy plans while isolating Moscow. The group reached agreement on terms as part of the meeting under the body’s rotating presidency, now held by Italy. It marks a pivotal moment for nations looking to chart a sustainable path ahead for their energy needs, away from gas, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine upended a supply and demand equilibrium that had been in place for years.

# Rugby: Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman says he is optimistic about a top-four finish in the Singapore leg of the World Series this weekend. The Blitzboks face Spain, Samoa and France in their pool. Snyman says having experienced campaigners such as Siviwe Soyizwapi, Dylan Sage and Rosko Specman back, is a major boost for the team:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-63-cents and the euro at 19-rand-93-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-52-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-457-dollars-90-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-297-dollars-58-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 84-dollars-12-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Tshwane University of Technology professor Alvaro Viljoen has reached a monumental achievement with the publication of his 300th peer-reviewed academic paper. The publication explores the captivating realm of medicinal smoke, particularly focusing on wild cannabis. TUT says Viljoen’s prolific publication record, coupled with other outstanding achievements, cements his status as the most highly cited researcher in the institution’s history. It adds this accolade not only underscores his scientific intelligence but also highlights his pivotal role in advancing the academic and research agenda of the university.

Stay tuned for more news………….