News 15:00

BULLETIN 14 April 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Mcebisi Jonas is to spearhead South Africa’s diplomatic and trade ties with the US
# NSFAS urges landlords to submit their claims on time to prevent student evictions
# And Hamas sets requirements for the release of all remaining Israeli hostages

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former deputy Finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as his special envoy to the US. He will represent South Africa’s diplomatic and economic interests, engaging with US government officials and business leaders to strengthen bilateral ties. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says Jonas previously served as one of the president’s investment envoys and will continue in his role as MTN group chairperson while taking on this new position:

# The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has reiterated calls to service providers to submit claims promptly, as the next payment is due on Thursday. NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi says delays in data submission could affect verification and payouts. He emphasised the commitment to resolving outstanding claims, stating it is crucial to maintain stable living conditions for financially-aided students relying on the scheme:

# The eThekwini Municipality has announced which beaches to avoid in Durban this Easter due to poor water quality. Beaches with high levels of E. coli include Laguna, Winklespruit, and Doonside. These closures are part of the ongoing pollution crisis affecting the municipality. Water quality tests are conducted weekly. Current results show that eight beaches have excellent water quality and are open from 6am till 6:30pm. They are Pipeline, Umgababa, Umhlanga Main, Brighton, Ansteys, Bronze Beach, Umdloti Main, and Westbrook Beach.

# A senior Hamas official says the Palestinian group is prepared to release all Israeli hostages. Hamas is engaged in negotiations in Cairo with mediators from Egypt and Qatar, two nations working alongside the United States to broker a ceasefire in the besieged territory. Spokesperson Taher al-Nunu says Hamas is ready to release all Israeli captives in exchange for a serious prisoner swap deal, an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the entry of humanitarian aid.

# Soccer: The City of Cape Town says staff have been hard at work to ensure that the Erica Park Stadium in Belhar is ready for action when the 2025 Premier Cup tournament for under-19 ‘s kicks off on Wednesday.  Mayoral committee member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, says over the Easter Weekend, 32 teams from South Africa and abroad will vie for top honours:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-91-cents and the euro at 21-rand-53-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-95-cents and Bitcoin trades at 84-thousand-803-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-224-dollars-39-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-26-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….