News 16:00

BULLETIN 2 April 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa raises the investment target to three-trillion-rand over the next five years  
# Minister Macpherson moves to convert surplus military land into housing opportunities
# And rugby: Fiji appoints an interim coach after Byrne’s departure

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has revised South Africa’s investment target from two-trillion- to three-trillion-rand over five-years. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the move follows nearly one-trillion-rand pledged on day one of the sixth investment conference. She says commitments worth 898-billion-rand across 81-projects signal investor confidence. Ntshavheni stresses the pledges are expected to create over 230-thousand jobs, supporting inclusive growth and boosting economic recovery efforts:

# The Freedom Front Plus welcomes Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s decision to reduce the fuel levy for one month, providing temporary relief for motorists. The party’s Wynand Boshoff notes that lost revenue will eventually need recovery, and stresses South Africa’s reliance on imported fuels. Boshoff highlights the strategic importance of Sasol and sustainable electricity for supporting electric transport:

# Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, says people are living in informal settlements along the edges of military bases because there is no land to build mixed-development houses. To address Cape Town’s housing backlog, the department plans to unlock surplus military land, including Wingfield and Youngsfield. Macpherson says he is optimistic that policy direction and proclamations will be finalised by the end of the year, enabling construction to start and providing thousands of housing units and improved human settlements.

# The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department says it is rolling out intensified operations across the metro for the Easter long weekend. Highly dense areas, including the CBD and surrounding townships, will see increased patrols to manage and prevent accidents. Spokesperson Xolani Fihla says motorists should expect 24-hour roadblocks, strict law enforcement and a zero-tolerance approach to traffic violations:

# Rugby: Senirusi Seruvakula will coach Fiji in their first three Nations Championship matches after he was appointed in an interim capacity following the departure of Mick Byrne. Byrne left with immediate effect yesterday due to what Fiji Rugby Union chief Koli Sewabu describes as a disagreement over a new direction for the team before next year’s World cup in Australia. Sewabu says the board has full confidence in Seruvakula for the three matches against Wales, England and Scotland in Europe in July.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-97-cents and the euro at 19-rand-56-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-43-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-133-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-625-dollars-22-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 106-dollars-45-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….