News 16:00

BULLETIN 28 March 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Competition Commission flags concerns over the persistently high food prices
# Minister Dean Macpherson announces progress in the fight against the construction mafia
# And gymnastics: Italy’s Olympic female rhythmic coach is fired after 29 years

# The Competition Commission has raised concerns about consistently high food prices, despite some small price drops in certain items. In its latest essential food pricing monitoring report, the commission highlights that while some essential foods, like canned pilchards, have seen price reductions, the prices of eggs and sunflower oil remain elevated. The commission’s spokesperson, Siyabulela Makunga, calls for closer monitoring of pricing practices to ensure fair pricing for consumers.

# Public Works and Infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson has confirmed significant progress in tackling the construction mafia. At a news conference Macpherson revealed that arrests are rising and construction stoppages are being successfully resolved. The minister confirmed that reforms are accelerating, including blacklisting non-performing contractors since the signing of the Durban Declaration last year. He also highlighted mafia infiltration into security firms:

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse says irregular expenditure, poor management, and a lack of oversight have caused ongoing setbacks in the broadcasting digital migration project. In a report submitted to Parliament, the organisation calls for an urgent investigation into the project, which is behind schedule. OUTA’s Andrea van Heerden says effective consequence management is essential to ensure vulnerable households receive support and the digital migration is completed efficiently:

# Gymnastics: Italy is searching for a new coach for its Olympic female rhythmic team after Emanuela Maccarani was fired after 29 years in the role. She is accused of the mistreatment of under-aged athletes, including criticising them over their weights and eating habits. Gymnasts were reportedly forced to weigh themselves in front of teammates, while coaches insulted them if they appeared overweight. The court case against 58-year-old Maccarani follows after two former gymnasts, Anna Basta and Nina Corradini, accused her of psychological abuse.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-17-cents and the euro at 19-rand-57-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-49-cents and Bitcoin trades at 85-thousand-193-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-and-73-dollars-17-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-36-cents a barrel.

# And finally: A book that was due to be returned on 8 March 2001 found its way back to the Central Library in Cape Town after being overdue for 24 years. The book French Cinema by Roy Armes, was returned during the library’s Fine Free Week. The borrower, who moved internationally, discovered the book while sorting belongings. Although no longer listed in the system, the book is a historic return. Over 13-thousand overdue items, valued at 1.6-million-rand, have been returned so far.

Stay tuned for more news………….