News 09:00
BULLETIN 19 September 9 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Didiza is hopeful that the American visa row will be resolved
# BOSA renews a call for salary transparency to tackle pay inequality
# And: America and Denmark reach a deal on Greenland, Trump says
# National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza is optimistic that the US visa restrictions disputes against certain South Africans can be resolved soon. The US says the restrictions target people linked to certain land, race and violence-related policies. Didiza says diplomatic engagement between Pretoria and Washington remains ongoing, as Ambassador Roelf Meyer continues discussions. Meanwhile, Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau confirmed to the SABC of planned discussions next week:
Meanwhile, the International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola is in Washington for a series of diplomatic engagements following these restrictions. Lamola will attend a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation event and hold meetings with members of Congress before travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. South Africa has rejected the US allegations behind the restrictions, saying they misrepresent its domestic policies. Lamola is also expected to share a stage with US Senator Bernie Sanders at an event in New York.
# Public Service Commission chairperson professor Somadoda Fikeni has questioned whether South Africa’s intelligence services are adequately identifying threats to the national interest. Testifying at the Madlanga Commission, Fikeni asked whether intelligence focuses mainly on external threats, rather than risks within the country. He says national security priorities should be clearly identified and matched with appropriate levels of intervention, seniority, expertise and resources:
# Build One South Africa says its proposed Fair Pay Bill would ban employers from asking job applicants about their salary history. The party wants employers banned from asking job applicants for their salary history when deciding how much they should be paid. BOSA’s Graham Charters says the bill would also give employees the right to discuss their pay and salary offers with colleagues. Charters added these measures are aimed at reducing unfair pay gaps:
# The United States, Denmark and Greenland have reached an agreement allowing Washington to develop a significant military presence on the island. President Donald Trump says the deal will also prevent US adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland without American approval. Earlier on Friday, Reuters exclusively reported that the US and Denmark were closing in on a deal that would result in an increased US military presence in Greenland, but would stop well short of Trump’s long-held dream of acquiring the island for the United States.
# And tennis: Jiří Lehečka has levelled the Czech Republic’s Davis Cup tie against the United States at one-all in Prague. He beat US Open runner-up Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-4, after Learner Tien had defeated Jakub Menšík in straight sets. The tie will be decided today, with a doubles match followed by two reverse singles. South Korea moved within one win of a first Davis Cup quarter-final appearance after taking a two-nil lead over India in Seoul. The weekend’s seven winners will join defending champions Italy in the eight-team Finals in Bologna in November.
Stay tuned for more news………….