News 14:00

BULLETIN 20 March 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Madlanga Commission reprimands Fannie Nkosi for his evasive testimony
# The IFP warns the Middle East conflict will have profound consequences on global peace
# And cricket: New-Zealand beat the Proteas by 8 wickets in the third T20

# The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has rebuked SAPS officer Fannie Nkosi for evasiveness to answer questions satisfactorily. Commissioner Sesi Baloyi criticised Nkosi for repeatedly claiming he could not remember key details during testimony on Tshwane tender allegations. Baloyi warned that witnesses are obligated to assist the commission fully. Nkosi maintained he was answering to the best of his ability, stating he could not comment on matters he could not recall:

# The IFP has warned that the escalating confrontation involving the US, Israel and Iran threatens to plunge the Middle East into a devastating regional war, with profound consequences for global peace, security and economic stability. The party’s Mkhuleko Hlengwa says this is the age of foolishness, where diplomacy is too easily abandoned in favour of military escalation. He says the path forward must be clear, an immediate cessation of hostilities:

Meanwhile, the union federation Cosatu says it is extremely worried about the potential painful impact the war in the Middle East will have on South Africa’s very fragile economy. Government has given reassurance that the national fuel supply is stable for now, amid growing volatility in global energy markets, fuelled by the conflict. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says they appreciate the government’s reassurance; however, if the war lasts much longer and supplies to the world are disrupted, a stable fuel supply may not last long:

# The Public Servants Association welcomes the Department of Correctional Services signing a Memorandum of Understanding with religious and healthcare providers to enhance inmate rehabilitation. The PSA’s Claude Naicker stressed that effective implementation, continuous monitoring, and adequate staffing are essential. While praising restorative justice, counselling, and health initiatives, the union welcomed the new partnerships. He says these initiatives cannot replace critical vacancies in correctional facilities across South Africa:

# Cricket: New Zealand took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series with a clinical eight-wicket victory over South Africa at Eden Park today. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Black Caps restricted the Proteas to a meagre 136 for nine. George Linde top-scored for the Proteas with 33 runs off 12 balls. New Zealand chased the target with ease, reaching 137 for 2 in just 16 overs and two balls. Opener Tom Latham anchored the innings with an unbeaten 63, while Devon Conway added 39 to ensure a dominant home win. The fourth Test will be played in Wellington on Sunday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-95-cents and the euro at 19-rand-57-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-66-cents and Bitcoin trades at 70-thousand-507-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-668-dollars-24-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 106-dollars-37-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….