News 18:00

BULLETIN 26 November 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# SARS raids a well-known Durban businesswoman’s home over a 37-million-rand tax debt
# A sanction decision on Flysafair is delayed until January
# And rugby: The returning Boks will strengthen the Bulls’ team for their European tour

# The Durban High Court has granted the South African Revenue Service a preservation order and search-and-seizure warrant against businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize. This move prevents asset dissipation and ensures compliance with tax laws. Mkhize allegedly owes 37-million-rand in unpaid taxes. SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised law enforcement for their collaboration, reaffirming SARS’s commitment to combat tax evasion. Mkhize faced a 204-million-rand tax dispute in 2020 that resulted in asset seizures and liquidation of her company, Zikhuluse Cleaning, Maintenance and Transport.

# A decision on whether to sanction FlySafair’s international flights has been delayed. According to News24, the airline is challenging a ruling by the International Air Services Council, which found it violated local licensing laws by allowing a foreign company, ASL Aviation Holdings, to acquire a 74.86-percent stake in its parent company. The court hearing will take place next month, with a final decision expected next year. FlySafair confirmed that its international flights will continue as normal with no interruptions.

# Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile warns the 20.1-billion-rand e-toll debt will strain provincial resources. Presenting the mid-term budget, he gave the assurance that no jobs will be cut in key sectors like education and health. Maile reflected on efforts to balance fiscal constraints with essential services:

# Western Cape premier Alan Winde has expressed continued concern over gang violence and drug-related crimes in the province. While the latest crime statistics show an 8.7-percent reduction in murders in the province, Winde argues crime remains a significant issue. He urged the national government to increase the policing budget and called for improved support for investigations and the criminal justice system to ensure that criminals face consequences:

# Rugby: Bulls’ director of rugby Jake White has strengthened his squad with returning Springboks for their tour of Europe. They include Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden, Willie le Roux and Canan Moodie. The Pretoria team will play Connacht in the United Rugby Championship in Galway on Saturday, and Saracens in the Champions Cup opener in London a week later. The Bulls are currently in third place in the URC standings.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-15-cents and the euro at 19-rand-4-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-82-cents and Bitcoin trades at 91-thousand-981-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-631-dollars-92-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-85-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….