News 15:00

BULLETIN 8 April 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Western Cape activates disaster response amid severe weather conditions
# Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services are on high alert following a level-two weather warning
# And, cricket: Rajasthan and Kolkata are the only remaining unbeaten teams in the IPL

# Western Cape premier Alan Winde has activated the Joint Operational Centre to coordinate the provincial disaster response. Hardest-hit areas include the Cape Winelands, Overberg, and West Coast districts, with the Garden Route district expecting heavy rainfall. Winde confirmed efforts by Eskom to restore power supply to affected areas. The premier also says all fires are contained, but many residents have lost homes. He confirms the provincial government and partners are mobilising resources to manage and mitigate the impact.

In Johannesburg, Emergency Management Services are on high alert following the level two warning issued by the South African Weather Service. The conditions may lead to severe thunderstorms in most parts of the city. Residents in low-laying areas are urged to remain cautious and continue to monitor young children when crossing streams. EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says for life-threatening emergencies residents are urged to call the emergency call centre on 011 375 5911:

# Mango’s business rescue practitioner Sipho Sono has assured a transparent sale of the 100-percent SAA-owned low-cost carrier. Sono clarifies SAA will not profit from the sale due to a lack of assets. He says the preferred bidder must demonstrate the ability to restart operations:

# The North West University has terminated the membership of 15 members of the Vanderbijlpark Student Campus Council being found guilty of misconduct in accordance with the statute and the policy on student discipline. The committee’s findings and sanction were concluded last week Wednesday, and the SCC members were informed accordingly. The university will now proceed to address the 15 vacancies to ensure effective student governance on the campus.

# Cricket: Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders are the only remaining unbeaten teams after the first three weeks of the Indian Premier League. Rajasthan tops the log with eight points after winning its first four games. They won their only title in the inaugural season 16 years ago. Kolkata stands on six points after being victorious in its first three. They are level with Lucknow Super Giants, but in front on net run rate, with Lucknow winning three of their first four encounters. Kolkata plays Chennai Super Kings today.

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-56-cents and the euro at 20-rand-10-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-44-cents and Bitcoin trades at 72-thousand-272-dollars-90-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-340-dollars-35-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 90-dollars-37-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….