News 16:00

BULLETIN 18 February 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Steenhuisen is concerned as the sugar industry crisis escalates after Tongaat Hulett’s liquidation
# Shadrack Sibiya questions the social media influence of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
# And sokker: A traffic alert as Orlando Pirates faces Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium

# Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen has raised alarm over the sugar industry crisis following the liquidation of Tongaat Hulett, ahead of the April crushing season. Steenhuisen says the liquidation threatens operations, affecting over 15-thousand growers and up to 40-thousand livelihoods without urgent funding. Steenhuisen says the government is engaging stakeholders to secure a solution, stressing that delays could severely damage rural economies and food supply chains.

# Suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has criticised KwaZulu-Natal commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi over his extensive social media support. Sibiya is testifying before the Madlanga commission, which investigates Mkhwanazi’s allegations of political interference in the justice system. Sibiya argues while Mkhwanazi may not personally manage accounts, the constant online attention unfairly impact perceptions. He says a lack of direct control over social media absolves public figures of responsibility:

# New research by the Black Management Forum and Henley Business School Africa has called for urgent reforms to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment. Surveying over 500 managers, the report says while transformation is widely supported, current tick-box implementation is failing to improve business performance. Concerns include corruption, fronting and compliance burdens. The study urges stronger governance, improved due diligence and greater collaboration to shift black empowerment from compliance-driven processes to meaningful economic impact.

# Soccer: Johannesburg Metro Police have warned motorists of traffic disruptions tonight as Orlando Pirates host Mamelodi Sundowns in a Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium. Pirates lead the log table by six points. With an expected crowd of at least 60-thousand for the match at 7.30 pm, JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla has urged motorists to use alternative routes:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-99-cents and the euro at 18-rand-95-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-72-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-523-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-922-dollars-80-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-72-cents a barrel.

# And finally: President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent best wishes to the Christian and Muslim communities observing Lent and Ramadan, respectively. He notes the rare overlap highlights shared values of introspection, discipline, generosity, and care for the vulnerable. Christians mark 40-days of prayer while Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and feed the needy. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says South Africans are urged to celebrate the country’s constitutional protection of religious freedom:

Stay tuned for more news………….