News 15:00
BULLETIN 2 April 3 pm
Good afternoon. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# The controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso is acquitted on all charges
# Parliament submits the satellite communication strategy to cabinet
# And over 30-thousand runners from 89 countries will participate in this weekend’s Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town
# Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, have been found not guilty on 32 charges, including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking, in the High Court in Gqeberha. According to reports, Omotoso is likely to be deported following the acquittal. Judge Irma Schoeman delivered the verdict after the case dragged on for eight years:
# Parliament’s portfolio committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation has submitted the satellite communication strategy to cabinet for approval to publish it for public comment. Deputy minister, Nomalungelo Gina, emphasised internet connectivity’s role in job creation and economic growth. The strategy aims to establish a locally-owned satellite system, reducing reliance on foreign providers. Officials stress the urgency of implementation to boost digital inclusion, essential services, and national security. A national workshop will be held to discuss key issues.
# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse demands urgent action from Transport minister Barbara Creecy on the ongoing license backlogs, warning that legal steps may follow if the government fails to act. They call for the extension of driver’s license validity to ten years, immediate repairs to the only license card printer, and clarity on the cancelled tender. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage says motorists are suffering due to government inaction and demands transparency and solutions:
# Road running: The City of Cape Town says more than 30-thousand athletes will participate in the 54th edition of the Two Oceans Marathon this weekend. The ultramarathon will take runners on a 56-kilometre route from Newlands and finish off on the foot of Table Mountain at UCT on Saturday. The half marathon over 21.1-kilometre will take place on Sunday. Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says 89 countries will be represented:
# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-63-cents and the euro at 20-rand-12-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-11-cents and Bitcoin trades at 84-thousand-988-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-118-dollars-85-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-98-cents a barrel.
# And finally: A recent study by Australian scientists has revealed that if global temperatures rise by four degrees Celsius, the average person could become 40-percent poorer. Even with a two-degrees-Celsius increase, per capita, the gross domestic product may shrink by 16-percent, significantly more than previous estimates of 1.4-percent. The study says traditional economic models have been found to have underestimated the financial impact of climate change, often overlooking how extreme weather events disrupt global supply chains. Researchers are urging immediate action to mitigate severe economic consequences worldwide.
Stay tuned for more news………….