News 18:00

BULLETIN March 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa commends South Africa’s human rights progress 
# The DA wants the SANDF to help tackle the water crisis in Gauteng and KZN
# And rugby: Ruan Pienaar hopes to become a coach after ending his playing career

# President Cyril Ramaphosa praised South Africa’s strides in advancing human rights, during his keynote address at the State of Human Rights Conference in Boksburg. He highlighted the significance of the Constitution’s adoption in the nation’s democratic struggle, emphasising the pursuit of a free and equal society. Ramaphosa condemned apartheid’s infringement on basic humanity and underscored the Constitution’s role in promoting people’s wellbeing:

# The Democratic Alliance is calling for urgent action to address the water crisis in South Africa. The party’s chief whip, Siviwe Gwarube, has urged president Ramaphosa to deploy the South African National Defence Force for logistical support and water distribution. Gwarube also advocates for public-private partnerships and police investigations into sabotage:

# Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma welcomed Namibian president Nangolo Mbumba, who is scheduled for a brief visit with Ramaphosa, symbolising the enduring relations between the two countries. Both nations continue to emphasise cooperation and collaboration across domains, aiming to strengthen diplomatic ties and pursue shared objectives. The meeting seeks to deepen historical, cultural, and economic bonds, exploring avenues for mutual benefit and enhanced collaboration.

# Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Vladimir Putin on his election victory, hailing the Russian president as a force for progress as Moscow’s ties with Beijing deepen. Putin faced no genuine competition on the way to what state media reported was a record landslide win. This victory paves the way for the former spy to become the longest-serving Russian leader in more than 200 years. Both he and Xi often tout their deep friendship.

# Rugby: Former Springbok Ruan Pienaar is expected to start a coaching role when he ends his career. The 40-year-old recently announced that he plans to hang up his boots in May after a career stretching over 20 years. He was part of the Bok’s World Cup-winning squad of 2007 and played 88 Tests for South Africa, scoring 135 points. Pienaar also played locally for the Sharks and the Cheetahs. He hopes to become involved as coach of the Cheetahs’ junior teams.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-95-cents and the euro at 20-rand-64-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-13-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-840-dollars-29-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-160-dollars-8-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-83-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….