News 16:00

BULLETIN 25 April 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Tanzania bans agri-imports from South Africa and Malawi amid a trade dispute
# A senior Russian officer is killed in a car bomb explosion near Moscow
# And rugby: The Junior Boks are ready for the Under 20 Rugby Championship

# Tanzania has banned all agricultural imports from South Africa and Malawi, escalating a regional trade dispute. Agriculture minister Hussein Bashe says the move aims to protect Tanzanian business interests. The ban follows South Africa’s long-standing banana import ban and Malawi’s earlier restrictions on Tanzanian produce. Bashe assured citizens that food security won’t be affected, but trade across the region is reportedly already impacted.

# The Agricultural Food and Allied Democratic Workers Union is calling on all its members to unite with the working class in commemorating Workers’ Day across the country next week Thursday. Every year on the first of May, South Africa stands still to honour the indomitable spirit of its working-class men and women. The union’s spokesperson, Khayelihle Khumalo, says they are committed to the fight for justice, dignity, and the rights of all workers:

# The Postbank has confirmed that SASSA gold cards will remain valid beyond 31 May. Grant beneficiaries can continue receiving payments and using their cards at ATMs, retail stores, and for purchases. CEO Nikki Mbengashe assured there will be no disruptions during the transition to black cards. The bank warns against misinformation and urges beneficiaries to rely only on official updates. It confirmed that the distribution of new black cards was temporarily paused, but essential services remain available.

# A senior Russian military officer was killed in a car bomb explosion near Moscow this morning. Authorities say Yaroslav Moskalik’s death was caused by the detonation of a homemade explosive device filled with destructive elements. They didn’t blame anyone for the attack, but according to Reuters, several high-ranking Russian military figures had been assassinated since the invasion of Ukraine. A second person apparently also died in the blast. Moskalik, a major general, had participated in several high-level delegations.   

# Rugby: The Junior Springboks are finalising preparations for the Under 20 Rugby Championship, kicking off at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Thursday next week. Coaching consultant Johan Ackermann says the squad is eager to face Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia. Ackermann highlighted the team’s focus on strengthening set pieces following a successful tour in Georgia. He says this is a major opportunity for young talent:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-80-cents and the euro at 21-rand-35-cents. One British pound costs 25-rand-3-cents and Bitcoin trades at 94-thousand-870-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-293-dollars-42-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-77-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….