News 15:00

BULLETIN 20 March 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The former SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng challenges an18-million-rand claim in court
# Ian Cameron warns of poorly coordinated South African National Defence Force operations
# And rugby: The URC teams are racing to finish in the top eight and secure a playoff spot

# Former SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng approached the High Court in Johannesburg to contest an 18-million-rand claim from the SABC linked to an allegedly unlawful success fee from a MultiChoice deal. Motsoeneng has argued that the payment was a legitimate success fee. The Special Investigating Unit previously ruled the payment irregular while courts, including the Constitutional Court, dismissed Motsoeneng’s appeals. The SIU has recovered over six-million-rand from Motsoeneng’s pension benefits with former board members also held liable.

# Parliament’s police committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, criticised the South African National Defence Force deployment, announced on February 12 but formally tabled in parliament on March 13, calling it poorly coordinated. Soldiers in a Randfontein illegal mining raid waited two hours for police support, and Cameron noted some operations lack precision and effective coordination between SANDF and police units. He highlighted broader safety concerns, including the January murder of 13-year-old Ashtin Brookes and two children killed last night on the Cape Flats.

# DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga says many South Africans are still not truly free, despite democracy. Speaking during the announcement of its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate ahead of Human Rights Day, Msimanga said unemployment, crime and poor services continue to violate human basic rights. He urged reflection on the Sharpeville Massacre, warning that its sacrifices risk being in vain if living conditions do not improve:

# Rugby: It’s high stakes in the United Rugby Championship this weekend, as teams fight for a top-eight finish to secure a playoff spot. Today, the Bulls will be aiming to return to winning ways when they face Cardiff at Loftus Versfeld. Ulster will host Connacht, while Scarlets will face Zebre. Saturday kicks off with the Lions hosting Edinburgh, Sharks face Munster, table toppers Glasgow Warriors, who have all but guaranteed themselves a play-off spot, face Leinster, and Benetton play Ospreys. On Sunday, the Stormers host the Dragons in Cape Town.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-89-cents and the euro at 19-rand-54-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-61-cents and Bitcoin trades at 70-thousand-381-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-664-dollars-62-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 104-dollars-43-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba says government is building a new home for the Sithole family of recently separated conjoined twins. Speaking in Mankweng Hospital, Ramathuba confirmed the babies are recovering well, with one breathing independently. Ramathuba says the house will be completed before their discharge, with support from private sector partners. She added the province is also strengthening healthcare infrastructure and will ensure the children receive proper early childhood development support:

Stay tuned for more news………….