News 16:00

BULLETIN 24 March 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A political expert calls for a career diplomat as the next US ambassador
# The ANC Veterans League urge South Africa to mend US relations amid the Rasool fallout
# And motorsport: Liam Lawson could reportedly be replaced at Red Bull after just two F1 races

# A Political Sciences professor at UNISA, Dirk Kotzé, has emphasized that South Africa’s next ambassador to the US should be a career diplomat, not a political appointee. This follows the return of former US ambassador Ebrahim Rasool after he was forced to leave the country. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Kotzé argued that a seasoned diplomat would better navigate the complexities of international relations, ensuring South Africa’s interests are effectively represented:

Meanwhile, the ANC Veterans League has condemned the US’ treatment of Rasool, calling it undignified. He was expelled over his stance on US president Donald Trump’s administration. ANC veteran Snuki Zikalala cites concerns over US global influence. He urges renewal of SA-US relations, emphasizing economic growth and trade while resisting rising imperialist threats:

# The MK Party has criticized Justice minister Mamoloko Kubayi’s response to the inquest into the Cradock Four murders. They accuse the government of lacking urgency in resolving Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases. The anti-apartheid activists were abducted and murdered by security police in June 1985. The inquest is set for June second, but MK vows to push for accountability through Parliament’s Justice committee, condemning what they call empty government rhetoric.

# A 45-year-old female teacher was abducted from Happydale Special School in Algoa Park in Qeberha in the Eastern Cape this morning. Police confirmed that three men forced her into their vehicle around 8 am while firing shots into the air. No ransom has been demanded. Video footage shows the victim being grabbed in the school parking lot. Police are investigating the incident, with no arrests made yet.

# Motorsport: Red Bull team principal Christian Horner didn’t refute speculation Liam Lawson could be replaced after just two races of the Formula One season. The 23-year-old New Zealander didn’t impress in last weekend’s Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia, or this weekend’s in Shanghai, China. He was knocked out at the first qualifying sessions at both races, while teammate Max Verstappen, the defending world champion, had relative success. Local driver Yuki Tsunoda is rumoured to take over from Lawson for the third race in Japan.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-11-cents and the euro at 19-rand-60-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-44-cents and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-437-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-and-28-dollars-16-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-2-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….