News 17:00

BULLETIN 4 May 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Madlanga Commission engages with government on funding and legal matters
# The South African Revenue Service commissioner targets tax expansion and ethics
# And tennis: Thirteen players withdraw from the Italian Open

# The Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels says the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is in talks with the Finance Ministry to address adequate funding and resourcing. Michaels said government has been supportive and expects matters to be resolved. He also confirmed that North West businessman Brown Mogotsi’s legal counsel is engaging with the commission over an application for evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson recusal:

# South African Revenue Service commissioner Johnstone Makhubu says his first 100 days will focus on strengthening ethical conduct and ending illegal trade. Speaking to SABC News at a new SARS service centre in Newtown, Johannesburg, he stressed continuity while building on existing reforms. Makhubu plans to engage staff and industry stakeholders nationwide. He also highlighted preparing for a smooth filing season, saying public trust depends on integrity and efficient tax administration operations:

# The DA has called on Parliament to summon Public Service and Administration minister Mzamo Buthelezi over the misuse of public funds. Reports show nearly 800-million-rand is spent annually on salaries for suspended officials. DA Member of Parliament, Eleanore Spies, says this reflects a serious breakdown in accountability. Over 600 officials remain suspended, with many beyond legal timeframes, placing further strain on already struggling municipalities and public finances.

# Iran says it had forced a US warship from entering the Strait of Hormuz, but a US official denied a report it had been struck by Iranian missiles. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reports two missiles hit the vessel at the southern entrance to the strait. Iran has blocked nearly all shipping into and out of the Gulf apart from its own since the start of the war, cutting off around a fifth of the ⁠world’s oil and gas shipments and sending oil prices soaring by 50-percent or more.

# Tennis: The packed professional circuit is causing havoc in the Italian Open, starting in Rome this week, but will create unexpected chances for players lower down the world rankings. No less than 13 players have already withdrawn due to injury, headed by world number two and defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. Others who will miss the claycourt tournament include Americans Taylor Fritz and Reilly Opelka, and Britain’s Jack Draper. Local hero and world number one, Jannik Sinner, will be the top-seed.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-71-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-55-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-64-cents and Bitcoin trades at 78-thousand-657-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-563-dollars-58-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 109-dollars-46-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….