News 15:00

BULLETIN 23 April 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa applauds the economic growth 30-years into democracy
# The Spy Bill is unlikely to pass before this parliamentary term ends
# And rugby: The Crusaders’ CEO denies the new coach will be fired after a horrible season 

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised South Africa’s economic progress as the nation celebrates 30-years of freedom. Speaking at the Worker Share Ownership Conference in Gauteng, Ramaphosa highlighted competition laws that aid the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and labour legislation fostering sound labour relations. Ramaphosa emphasises policies to empower black South Africans, stating that the ownership schemes are valuable instruments to broaden ownership:

# The controversial General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill is unlikely to pass before this parliamentary term ends. The National Council of Province’s ad hoc committee sought further public input on new proposed provisions. The bill, aimed at implementing recommendations from the high-level review panel on the State Security Agency, faces criticism for its broad definitions of national security. Despite improvements, concerns linger, prompting calls for more oversight and transparency.

# International Relations minister Naledi Pandor has announced plans for South Africa and Egypt to launch a business council soon. The council is aimed at increasing opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries. Pandor said she hoped to encourage the private sector and state owned companies to come together in their efforts. She urged taking full advantage of the African Continental Free-Trade Agreement:

# Rugby: The Crusaders denied rumours new coach, Rob Penney, faces the axe after the team could win only one of its eight Super Rugby matches so far this season. The seven-time champion is a far cry from the team that dominated the competition under previous head coach Scott Robertson, who moved to the All Blacks after the World Cup. CEO Colin Mansbridge describes calls for Penney’s dismissal as childish, saying it doesn’t make sense at this stage. Penney was sacked as coach of the Waratahs in 2021.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-23-cents and the euro at 20-rand-51-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-79-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-116-dollars-51-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-301-dollars-22-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 86-dollars-61-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Four young scientists are set to represent South Africa at this year’s International Science Technology Engineering Competition in Indonesia. Rikyle Andrio Jordaan, Husna Docrat, S’qiniseko Mpilenhle Mpontshane, and Maria Isabella Lutz, were selected by a panel of academics and professionals at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair in October last year. Eskom Expo executive director, Parthy Chetty, says the four will have an opportunity to showcase their research projects in Bali:

Stay tuned for more news………….