News 09:00

BULLETIN 5 September 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The MK Party wants the chairperson of the Section 89 Impeachment Committee to recuse himself
# South Africans are urged to donate blood as stocks decline
# And, Rugby: Kolisi says the Boks want to win Test series against All Blacks today

# MK Party parliamentary leader John Hlophe says they want the Section 89 Impeachment Committee chairperson Makashule Gana to recuse himself as he is conflicted because his party, Rise Mzansi, is part of the Government of National Unity. Speaking to the SABC, Hlophe says this raises concerns about Gana’s independence in overseeing the Phala Phala impeachment process. Hlophe has called for Gana’s removal or a fresh election:

# Bus operator Putco says its operating expenses have risen from 25 to 35-percent following Wednesday’s fuel price increase. The company warns commuters could face another fare hike in the coming months, particularly due to higher diesel costs. Putco raised fares by ten-percent in June. Spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu says fuel spending has increased from about 42-million-rand to more than 51-million-rand. He says continued fuel price increases could make current fares unsustainable and place further pressure on commuters.

# The South African National Blood Service is urging eligible South Africans to donate blood as national stocks come under pressure. SANBS says it needs to collect three-thousand-500 units a day to maintain a five-day supply, but current collections are falling short. It’s calling on regular, first-time and lapsed donors, particularly those with O and B blood groups, to come forward, as every donation can help save up to three lives.

# The Western Cape High Court has barred the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other protesters from making certain claims linking Cape Union Mart and its executive chairperson, Philip Krawitz, to genocide in Gaza. This follows a legal battle over protests and boycott campaigns outside stores. The retailer and Krawitz argued accusations that they were funding genocide and involved in the killing of children were defamatory. The protesters maintained their statements were political expression protected by the Constitution. The court’s ruling balances that right against protection from defamatory statements.

# Plastics recycling organisation Polyco has expanded its Packa-Ching recycling network in KwaZulu-Natal with a new mobile recycling unit launched in KwaMashu. The unit, operated by Itheku Recycling Group, will provide communities with greater access to paid recycling opportunities while supporting local waste reclaimers and job creation. Polyco’s Lisl Doherty says the Packa-Ching network has now grown to 63 units nationally and has paid more than 57-million-rand to waste reclaimers:

# And, Rugby: Bok Captain Siya Kolisi says the team regard today’s third Test against the All Blacks as the decider of the series, knowing that if they lose, not only can they not take the series honours, but they will have been beaten two out of three times on home soil. Kolisi added they don’t want to draw the series, and will be going there to win the game. A capacity crowd is expected at the FNB Stadium in Soweto this afternoon with kick-off at ten past five.

Stay tuned for more news………….