News 08:00

BULLETIN 22 August 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deenadayalan Govender reveals to the Madlanga Commission that firearms, drugs, cash were recovered at the Morningside flat
# A blockbuster line-up of former greats will anchor coverage of today’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test
# And, a collection of Gandhi’s handwritten notes sell for 28-million-rand at an Indian auction

# KwaZulu-Natal Hawks officer Deenadayalan Govender revealed to the Madlanga Commission that firearms, drugs, ammunition and almost 400-thousand-rand in cash were recovered from the Morningside flat where taxi boss Bevan Loftus and four others were killed in a raid on 1st April 2023. Govender said 197 rounds of ammunition, an R5 rifle, two AK47s and four pistols were recovered, with one firearm ballistically linked to a triple murder. He acknowledged he did not process or observe the recovered items:

# The DA says government must urgently allow more private companies to take part in running South Africa’s ports. The party’s Chris Hunsinger says phase three of the government-business partnership must deliver real reforms to improve port efficiency and reduce delays. According to Hunsinger, private investment can bring more competition, skills and funding while keeping strategic port infrastructure in state hands. He wants faster progress on private concessions, changes to Transnet’s port structure and stronger powers for the port’s regulator.

# Standard Bank has announced the top ten finalists in its 2026 Kasi Small and Medium-sized Enterprises National Pitch Challenge, with entrepreneurs from all nine provinces competing for a one-million-rand prize. The finalists run businesses in sectors including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, food production, media and sustainable construction. The bank’s Naledzani Mosomane says the finalists will pitch their businesses to judges in the national final on 27 August, in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape:

# The Public Servants Association welcomes the new North West Education MEC, Desbo Mohono, calling for an urgent reset in labour relations. The union wants stronger engagement between the department and organised labour, as well as better support for educators and other staff. The PSA’s Zhulfa Graaff says improved service delivery will require adequate staffing, safe working conditions, employee wellness support and faster resolution of workplace disputes.

# Rugby: A blockbuster line-up of former Springbok and All Black greats will lead SuperSport’s coverage of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Presenters, analysts, commentators and rugby personalities include Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger, Steven Kitshoff, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Stephen Donald, Nick Mallett, Ricky Schroeder, Breyton Paulse, and Akona Ndungane. SuperSport says its coverage will feature an enhanced broadcast production with more than 25 cameras, including 18 manned cameras, Ultra Cam, super slow-motion cameras, drone coverage and the Airlink Spidercam.

# And finally: Handwritten notes by Mahatma Gandhi have sold to an unidentified buyer for a record amount of almost 28-million-rand at an auction in India. The collection of 688 handwritten reflections was written by Gandhi over two years for his close associate and freedom fighter, Anand Hingorani. It covers subjects including truth, non-violence, service and moral responsibility, and were later published under the title A Thought for the Day. The collection was preserved by the Hingorani family for generations. The sale has set a world record for an Indian historical document sold at auction.

Stay tuned for more news………….