News 16:00

BULLETIN 2 April 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Disappointment over Timothy Omotoso’s acquittal after a court case that dragged on for eight years
# Tax Justice SA says the 30-billion-rand recovered from criminals shows the huge scale of the illicit trade problem
# And motorsport: There is huge pressure on Yuki Tsunoda in this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix

# The chairperson of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, has criticised the National Prosecuting Authority for failing victims in the Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso’s case. The High Court in Gqeberha acquitted Omotoso and his co-accused of 32 charges, including human trafficking. Judge Irma Schoeman ruled the state’s cross-examination was weak. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva calls for legal reforms and announced the formation of a committee to review such cases.

# Tax Justice SA founder Yusuf Abramjee says the South African Revenue Service’s recovery of 30-billion-rand from syndicated crime over the past year underscores both a significant victory and a stark warning. The Reserve Bank revealed that the money was recovered through just 198 complex investigations into syndicated crime. Abramjee says these figures should serve as a wake-up call about the tens of billions-of-rand still being diverted from essential public services into criminal hands:

# 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.

# Motorsport: Yuki Tsunoda replacing New Zealander Liam Lawson as Red Bull’s second driver has reportedly changed the dynamic of the weekend’s Japanese Formula One Grand Prix in Suzuka. The only local driver on the grid will face immense pressure after Lawson was demoted to Red Bull’s second team, Racing Bulls, after just two races. Tsunoda describes his first race for Red Bull, his debut with the car and his home Grand Prix as a crazy situation. McLaren won the first two races of the season.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-62-cents and the euro at 20-rand-11-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-10-cents and Bitcoin trades at 84-thousand-770-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-117-dollars-39-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-83-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Stellenbosch University’s new rector and vice-chancellor, professor Deresh Ramjugernath, views academic excellence to be front and centre as one of his three focus areas for the next few years. He officially stepped into his new role yesterday, taking over from professor Wim de Villiers, who completed two terms. Ramjugernath says one of the biggest challenges will undoubtedly be sustainability, which includes financial, social and environmental sustainability:

Stay tuned for more news………….