News 14:00

BULLETIN 29 April 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A North-West University professor says South Africa can tackle the fuel shock without losing fiscal credibility
# An education activist backs the call for a probe into the textbook tender scandal
# And rugby: Three more players are invited to the Bok Women’s training camp ahead of the Africa Women’s Cup

# North-West University professor Raymond Parsons says South Africa can manage the global fuel price shock without losing fiscal credibility. He argues targeted relief measures, supported by higher-than-expected revenue and spending reviews, can cushion households while keeping public finances stable. Parsons warns global oil volatility will continue to pressure fuel prices, but says careful policy trade-offs can maintain investor confidence and limit inflationary impacts on the economy:

# Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has applauded minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube for calling for accountability in the 1.6-billion-rand textbook tender. Lighthouse Publishers was awarded over a quarter of the total tender for the publishing of foundation phase textbooks, despite being registered days after the formal briefing on the contract requirements. Makaneta says while schools still face deep inequality, government cannot allow money meant for learners to be misused:

# AfriForum has written a representation rejecting the MK Party’s Amendment Bill on Section 235 of the Constitution. The party has proposed repealing the section which gives communities with a common cultural and language heritage the right to pursue self-determination. It argues the Bill of Rights already protects language, cultural rights, freedom of association and religious freedom. AfriForum’s Barend Uys says the proposed amendments are aimed at increasing state authoritarianism:

# FedEx operations director, Nelson Teixeira, says efficient air cargo hubs are crucial to boosting South Africa’s economic growth and global competitiveness. He highlights rising e-commerce and export demand as key drivers. A University of Johannesburg study found infrastructure upgrades and technology adoption are essential to reduce delays. Key hubs like OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng face pressure to improve efficiency, with investment needed to strengthen trade, attract investors, and support sectors like agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

# Rugby: Springbok Women coach Swys de Bruin has invited the experienced Sizophila Solontsi and Nomawethu Mabenge to join a group of 36 players at a training camp in Stellenbosch next month. Lerato Makua has also been invited. Solontsi missed the previous camp due to a head knock, while Mabenge has been undergoing rehabilitation from a knee injury. De Bruin says the three players will add an extra layer of intensity to the squad. The training camp is in preparation for next month’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Kenya.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-58-cents and the euro at 19-rand-41-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-40-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-831-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-571-dollars-62-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 106-dollars-73-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….