News 14:00

BULLETIN 17 February 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The National Assembly extends the ad hoc committee’s deadline again
# Minister Tolashe warns illegal SASSA beneficiaries of legal action
# And cricket: New Zealand is through to the T20 World Cup’s Super Eights with a victory over Canada

# The National Assembly has approved a third extension for the ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and political interference in the justice system to 31 March. The committee was to conclude its work on Friday. During a brief virtual sitting, Members of Parliament agreed to extend the mandate to allow more witnesses to testify. These include the return of forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane, and the possibility of a submission from president Cyril Ramaphosa.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has reassured members of the provincial Hawks following uncertainty over their head, Lesetja Senona. This comes after Senona’s testimony at the Madlanga commission linked him to having a brotherly relationship with controversial businessman Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala. Mkhwanazi told members he is unaware of Senona’s status, noting disciplinary matters fall under national authority. He warned members against corruption and lavish lifestyles beyond their means, and urged integrity within the ranks.

# The Soil of Africa Movement is calling for the immediate deployment of the South African National Defence Force to Tshwane. This follows the murder of an e-hailing driver in Pretoria last week. The movement’s chairperson, Bongani Ramontja, says this senseless killing is part of a growing and deeply disturbing pattern of violent crime in Atteridgeville and Mamelodi, where murders have become normalised:

# Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe has warned people receiving social grants illegally from the South African Social Security Agency will face legal consequences. She participated in the integrated community registration outreach programme in the Western Cape, aimed at bringing government services closer to residents. Speaking to MDN News, Tolashe informed eligible beneficiaries they should report for verification at SASSA offices to avoid disruptions to their payments:

# Cricket: New Zealand qualified for the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup with an eight-wicket victory over Canada in Chennai. Yuvraj Samra’s 110 off just 65 balls took the Canadians to 173 for four, but the Black Caps chased down the target within 16 overs. Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra took them over the line with a third-wicket partnership of 146 runs. South Africa, co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, England and the West Indies are the other teams already through to the Super Eights.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-2-cents and the euro at 18-rand-97-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-77-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-886-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-926-dollars-25-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-81-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….