News 17:00

BULLETIN 5 March 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# BOSA calls for an urgent parliamentary debate on the escalating Middle East tensions
# The US Trade Court orders tariff refunds in a setback for the Trump administration
# And cricket: Aiden Markram says the Proteas won’t dwell on the disappointment in Kolkata

# Build One South Africa has called for an urgent parliamentary debate on the escalating Middle East crisis following the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The party says Parliament must urgently assess government plans to assist South Africans stranded in the region as tensions rise and flights remain suspended. BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane warns the conflict could disrupt global energy markets and increase oil and gas prices, putting pressure on transport, electricity generation and the cost of living.

# Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has apologised for making statements perceived as threats, explaining they were intended to show he would not be intimidated amid death threats and hostile actions. O’Sullivan said he had to fight fire with fire to protect himself and his family, including relocating them overseas. He regrets the tone but insists it was necessary to counter false arrests, harassment, and attempts to undermine his work:

# COSATU has called for alternative use of other products for sanitary use. This follows a University of Free State study revealing hormone-disrupting chemicals in 100-percent of tested sanitary pads and pantyliners. The National Consumer Commission has since launched a probe into nine major brands. Spokesperson Zanele Sabela calls for stronger regulations, quality assurance, and attention to period poverty:

# A US federal judge has cleared the way for thousands of businesses to receive refunds for tariffs that the Supreme Court struck down last month. The US Court of International Trade ordered Customs and Border Protection to issue refunds for levies president Donald Trump introduced last year under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. It brought in about 2.14-trillion-rand. The duties kicked off a flurry of trade negotiations with countries pushing for lower rates in exchange for promises of investment and other changes.

# Cricket: South African captain Aiden Markram says they won’t dwell on yesterday’s disappointing loss to New Zealand in the T20 World Cup semifinal. The unbeaten Proteas looked like a shadow of their prior form when they slid to a nine-wicket loss. Markram says they will reflect, but he is still proud of his men who played some really good cricket throughout the tournament, describing the match in Kolkata as just an unfortunate evening. Their next assignment is a five-match T20 series in New Zealand from next Sunday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-55-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-23-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-10-cents and Bitcoin trades at 72-thousand-534-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-117-dollars-77-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-11-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….