News 17:00

BULLETIN 6 March 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa removes Western Cape Judge President Hlophe from office
# Stage 4 load-shedding starts at eight tonight 
# And rugby: Bok captain Siya Kolisi should be fit for the Wales Test after a hand operation

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially removed Western Cape High Court Judge President John Hlophe from office. The decision follows findings by the Judicial Service Commission of gross misconduct. A resolution by the National Assembly, supported by more than two-thirds of its members, also called for his removal. Hlophe was accused of attempting to improperly influence Constitutional Court Justices Bess Nkabinde and Chris Jafta in 2008. He now loses his benefits, including a lifetime salary, a car allowance and comprehensive medical care.

# Eskom has announced stage 4 load-shedding will be implemented at eight tonight until five tomorrow morning. Thereafter stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented until 8 tomorrow evening, followed by stage 4 until five on Friday morning. This alternating pattern of stages 2 and 4 load-shedding will be implemented until further notice. This is prompted by the delay to return three generating units to service, as well as the need to replenish emergency reserves.

# Rise Mzansi says it’s anticipating a significant voter shift, positioning itself as a credible alternative to the ANC and the DA in the upcoming elections. The party has secured a place on both the national and nine provincial ballots, meeting the 750-thousand-rand election deposit and exceeding signature requirements nationwide. The leadership has finalised 19 diverse candidate lists. Rise Mzansi’s Mabine Seabe says candidate profiles are being finalised on the Independent Electoral Commission’s system, ensuring readiness before the Friday deadline:

# Western Cape MEC for Education David Maynier says parents are encouraged to participate actively and select candidates who will serve in school governing bodies. The 2024 school governing body elections are set to occur in the coming weeks, involving parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, and learners in Grades 8 to 12. Maynier says voting can take place manually or electronically: 

# Rugby: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi believes he will be 100-percent fit for the start of the international season. He underwent a successful operation after sustaining a hand injury while playing for French club Racing (Rassieng) 92. Kolisi wasn’t considered for the Boks’ alignment camp in Cape Town today, together with Bok wing Cheslin Kolbe who also injured his hand while playing for Japanese team Suntory Sungoliath. South Africa’s first Test since winning the World Cup will be against Wales at Twickenham on 22 June.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-85-cents and the euro at 20-rand-50-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-98-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-332-dollars-34-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-133-dollars-67-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-85-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….