News 15:00

BULLETIN 11 February 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The United Africans Transformation says SANDF soldiers shouldn’t be used as pawns in conflicts
# The Free Market Foundation says the Transformation Fund sparks corruption concerns
# And motorsport: Andrea Kimi Antonelli passes his driving test weeks before his Formula One debut

# United Africans Transformation says soldiers of the South African National Defence Force should not be used as pawns in conflicts that do not directly serve South Africa’s interests. Fourteen soldiers died in conflicts with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The party’s spokesperson, Mighty Mabula, says if government wants to deploy troops, it must be done with proper planning:

# The Free Market Foundation says Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau’s proposed 100-billion-rand Transformation Fund, aimed at black-owned businesses, highlights potential misuse and economic harm. The foundation argues that some critics say the fund bypassed proper discussions and imposes harmful BEE taxes. Business leaders warn it may stifle economic growth and deter investment, benefiting the elite while neglecting genuine economic upliftment.

# The National Council of SPCAs is investigating the brutal killing of a male baboon, affectionately known as “Raygun,” who was chased at Botleng Secondary School in Delmas, Mpumalanga, beaten, and set alight. Spokesperson Jacques Peacock says the council is offering a 20-thousand-rand reward for information leading to a successful conviction, relating to those who were involved in harming Raygun, and urges those who filmed the attack, to come forward:

# Motorsport: Rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli has passed his driving test just six weeks before he makes his Formula One debut for Mercedes at the Australian Grand Prix. The 18-year-old Italian was pictured in a driving school car accompanied by the caption: “Mission completed.” Previously drivers had to be 18 and hold a valid driver’s licence for their home countries in order to qualify for a Super License, necessary to compete in F1. However, the regulations were altered and now allows a special dispensation for 17-year-old drivers.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-46-cents and the euro at 19-rand-5-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-83-cents and Bitcoin trades at 97-thousand-966-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-905-dollars-90-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 76-dollars-46-cents a barrel.

# And finally: South Africa will be the guest of honour at the 33rd Havana International Book Fair in Cuba from Thursday to the 23rd of this month. The fair is considered the largest cultural festival in the capital. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture says South Africa’s participation will be under the theme, Papers of Resistance, looking at the importance of writing in different forms. A delegation of authors, poets and literary figures will participate at the South African stand at the fair.

Stay tuned for more news………….