News 17:00

BULLETIN 24 March 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A political expert calls for a career diplomat as the next US ambassador
# The Department of Water and Sanitation closely monitors the Vaal and Bloemhof dams for rising water levels
# And motorsport: Liam Lawson could reportedly be replaced at Red Bull after just two F1 races

# A Political Sciences professor at UNISA, Dirk Kotzé, has emphasized that South Africa’s next ambassador to the US should be a career diplomat, not a political appointee. This follows the return of former US ambassador Ebrahim Rasool after he was forced to leave the country. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Kotzé argued that a seasoned diplomat would better navigate the complexities of international relations, ensuring South Africa’s interests are effectively represented:

# The Department of Water and Sanitation is closely monitoring rising water levels at the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams. Six valves have been opened at the Vaal Dam to increase water outflows by 200 cubic metres per second, with the level currently at 107-percent. The water level at Bloemhof are currently at 100-percent. The department’s Wisane Mavasa says they continue to monitor the situation to prevent any potential risks from the rising water levels:

# The DA has cautioned against bureaucratic delays in implementing reforms at the Cape Town port. While the party has welcomed Transport minister Barbara Creecy’s decision to include the port in the private sector participation process, they argue that slow progress on congestion and infrastructure issues are damaging businesses. The DA’s Noko Masipa says Transnet’s inefficiencies have long hindered trade, particularly for agriculture, and only private sector involvement can modernise the port:

# Motorsport: Red Bull team principal Christian Horner didn’t refute speculation Liam Lawson could be replaced after just two races of the Formula One season. The 23-year-old New Zealander didn’t impress in last weekend’s Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia, or this weekend’s in Shanghai, China. He was knocked out at the first qualifying sessions at both races, while teammate Max Verstappen, the defending world champion, had relative success. Local driver Yuki Tsunoda is rumoured to take over from him for the third race in Japan.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-11-cents and the euro at 19-rand-60-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-43-cents and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-283-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-and-26-dollars-78-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-77-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Cape Town’s property market is thriving, fueled by digital nomads bringing billions in economic growth. Prop-tech firm Launchbase reports over 4.8 billion-rand in transactions in 2024, driven by remote workers seeking high-end rentals. The city’s Nomad Week highlights its strategy to attract global talent. While concerns exist over affordability, experts say the trend boosts development, job creation, and local investment.

Stay tuned for more news………….