News 09:00

BULLETIN 6 September 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Julius Malema vows to write off poor residents’ Municipal debt
# A volcanic eruption forces the closure of Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
# And rugby: The Springbok Women are overpowered by New Zealand’s Black Ferns

# EFF leader Julius Malema has vowed to write off municipal debt owed by poor residents if the party takes control of Mbombela in Mpumalanga. Malema was speaking at the EFF’s Mpumalanga provincial manifesto launch in eMalahleni, ahead of the 4 November local government elections, where he criticised ANC officials’ leadership. He said that the pledge forms part of a broader campaign to prioritise poor communities and improve service delivery:

Meanwhile, the Afrika Mayibuye Movement marked its first anniversary yesterday with the launch of its 2026 local government elections manifesto in Tembisa ahead of the 4 November elections. Party president Floyd Shivambu unveiled Gauteng mayoral candidates, including Themba “Skeem-GP” Nzimande for Ekurhuleni. Candidates were also announced for Tshwane, Emfuleni, Sedibeng and Midvaal, while Johannesburg’s candidate will be revealed separately. He stated the party’s campaign focuses on jobs and improved service delivery:

# The Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve, with conditions, Emerging Markets Infrastructure Fund Two’s proposed acquisition of Mainstream Renewable Power South Africa. EMIF Two develops and operates distributed solar solutions, while Mainstream focuses on utility-scale renewable energy projects, including solar and wind. The Commission says the transaction is unlikely to substantially reduce competition. However, EMIF Two will be required to implement a transaction benefiting historically disadvantaged persons in one of Mainstream’s South African subsidiaries within a specified period.

# A powerful eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Anak Krakatau has forced the temporary closure of Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and three regional hubs. Flight operations were suspended early today, after dangerous volcanic ash clouds drifted into major flight paths. The disruption has grounded over 209 flights, leaving more than 22-thousand passengers stranded. Major international routes to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Sydney face heavy cancellations. Authorities have issued health warnings for nearby provinces and established a three-kilometre maritime exclusion zone around the volcano.

# Rugby: The Springbok Women have gone down 52-20 to New Zealand’s Black Ferns in a historic Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. South Africa showed plenty of fight, but New Zealand’s pace and attacking quality proved decisive. Co-head coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt says the team established its credibility, particularly in the scrum and forward play. She says the Springbok Women can take confidence from the performance as they continue to evolve. The match was the Black Ferns’ first Test on South African soil.

# And finally: The 19th FNB Art Joburg concludes today at Sandton Convention Centre, with more than 100 artists, galleries and exhibitors across eight curated sections represented. Highlights include George Mahashe’s interactive camera obscura and Botswana-born sculptor Kelebogile Marope, winner of the 2026 FNB Art Prize. The fair featured “Women’s March to Freedom”, an exhibition revisiting women’s role in South Africa’s liberation struggle. Discussions highlighting the country’s artistic heritage and overlooked histories are taking centre stage.

Stay tuned for more news………….