News 18:00

BULLETIN 13 April 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Zuma-Sambudla trial intensifies as social media evidence takes centre stage
# Paul Mashatile welcomes the Public Protector ruling on SAA CEO allegations
# And, the Land Party calls for a probe into the Musk Starlink bribery claims

# Former MK Party’s member of Parliament Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s trial has resumed at the High Court in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Zuma-Sambudla faces charges of incitement to commit public violence and terrorism-related offences linked to the July 2021 unrest. The state alleges she used social media to encourage looting and violence during the riots that left about 350 people dead. Social media expert Emma Sadleir returned to the witness stand and cross-examined on interpretations of online posts:

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has welcomed findings by the Public Protector clearing him and Transport minister Barbara Creecy of wrongdoing in the appointment of South African Airways CEO John Lamola. Mashatile’s acting spokesperson Keith Khoza, says the findings dismiss claims of improper private interviews, reaffirming confidence in the integrity of the recruitment process within state-owned entities:

# The Land Party has urged president Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate bribery allegations involving billionair Elon Musk and satellite company Starlink, saying the claims raise concerns about regulatory credibility in South Africa. Musk alleged officials demanded bribes for a licence and suggested compliance manipulation. The party says the accusations cannot be ignored and wants a formal probe through the Madlanga Commission. Government maintains foreign operators must comply with BBB-EE laws.

# Pope Leo on Monday strongly pushed back against criticism from US President Donald Trump, defending his position of seeking peace and rejecting violence amid the Iran war. Leo said he has no fear of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what he and the church is here to do. Leo, the first American pope, has become increasingly vocal about the US and Israel’s war with Iran, last week condemning Trump’s rhetoric and threats against the people of Iran as unacceptable.

# Rugby: Tuks of the University of Pretoria chases a record sixth Varsity Cup title in tonight’s home final against the University of North West’s Eagles. They share the record of five titles with Maties from Stellenbosch University. All tickets have reportedly been sold out for the encounter at the Tuks Stadium. The match will be a repeat of round five, when the Eagles became the only side to beat Tuks this season. The team from North West won the competition twice before – in 2016 and in 2023.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-48-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-31-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-18-cents and Bitcoin trades at 71-thousand-812-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-720-dollars-52-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 96-dollars-93-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….