News 18:00

BULLETIN 31 March 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Enoch Godongwana launches the infrastructure finance office
# Energy and digital reforms in South Africa will boost investor confidence
# And, Cosatu applauds SACCAWU’s victory over Massmart

# Finance minister Enoch Godongwana has launched the Infrastructure Finance and Implementation Support Agency Programme Office at the South Africa Investment Conference in Sandton. The initiative, led by National Treasury and partners, aims to boost infrastructure delivery by mobilising private funding and expertise. It will streamline key programmes, improve project execution and strengthen public-private partnerships, helping reduce pressure on the fiscus and accelerate development.

# South Africa’s Energy Action Plan has significantly reduced load-shedding, improving reliability for businesses. Speaking at the Investment Conference in Sandton, president Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted reforms unlocking major renewable energy investments, as government will expand solar, wind and battery capacity, while building a competitive transmission network to support long-term, low-carbon economic growth. The president also highlighted South Africa’s digital infrastructure enhancing business investment and confidence:

# Union federation Cosatu has congratulated the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union, on dealing a massive blow to Massmart’s uncaring management at the Constitutional Court. SACCAWU members at Massmart downed tools following failed wage negotiations, during which the Walmart subsidiary refused to put an opening offer on the table, but simultaneously demanded that the union lower its demands. Cosatu’s Zanele Sabela says the union has proven to Massmart and its parent company, Walmart, that it is willing to do everything in its power to protect the rights of workers:

# US president Donald Trump says countries like the United Kingdom who can’t get jet fuel because of the restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz should build up some delayed courage, go to the strait, and just take it. He said on Truth Social the US won’t help countries who refused to get involved in the war with Iran, just like they weren’t there for America. Trump also accused France of being very unhelpful for not allowing military supply planes fly over French territory on their way to Israel.

# Soccer: Amnesty International warns the upcoming World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico risks becoming a stage for repression and authoritarian practices. A report by the human rights organisation highlights severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful protest, which threaten the safe and inclusive tournament promised by FIFA. Spokesperson Steve Cockburn says there are no plans to protect fans from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s actions:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-1-cent against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-61-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-54-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-086-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-608-dollars-41-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 106-dollars-1-cent a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….