News 15:00

BULLETIN 19 February 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC will hand over its cadre deployment records to the DA
# Gauteng MEC Matome Chiloane calls on learners to refrain from violence in schools 
# And Tennis: Jannik Sinner becomes the highest-ranking Italian ever

# The ANC has rejected the DA’s threats to lay charges of contempt of court against the party’s leadership over its cadre development policy. The ruling party says following the ruling of the Constitutional Court last week, it is in a position to comply with the order of the court, and will do so by the end of business today. The ANC says it has followed all requirements of the Promotion of Access to Information Act in complying with the the court order. The ANC called on the DA’s Leon Schrieber to respect the rights of these individuals and to use the records handed to him for the purpose outlined in his PAIA application.

# Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has urged learners to refrain from violence in schools. This comes after the principal of Primrose Primary School in Germiston was shot, allegedly by a grade 6 learner. The learner appears in court today on charges of attempted murder, along with the father who faces negligence charges. Chiloane addressed the media and emphasised the need for rehabilitation for the learner involved:

# The United Nations’ top court has started hearings on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967, with an unprecedented 52 countries expected to give evidence. Nations, including the United States, Russia, and China, will address judges in a week-long session at the seat of the International Court of Justice, the Peace Palace in The Hague in the Netherlands. The hearings are separate from the high-profile case brought by South Africa alleging that Israel is committing genocidal acts during the current Gaza offensive.

# Tennis: Jannik Sinner has become the highest-ranking Italian in history, moving to third in the world after clinching the Rotterdam Open in the Netherlands yesterday. The Australian Open champion beat Australian Alex de Minaur in straight sets for his 15th consecutive victory. Novak Djokovic of Serbia is still in first position, followed by Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. Russian Daniil Medvedev is fourth, followed by compatriot Andrey Rublev and German Alexander Zverev. Holger Rune of Denmark, Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, De Minaur and American Taylor Fritz complete the top-ten.

# And finally: South African Airways marked a milestone, celebrating 90-years in aviation. Despite facing near-collapse due to mismanagement and financial turmoil, SAA underwent successful business rescue, steering clear of liquidation. The airline, post-rescue, considered a majority share sale to Takatso Aviation, although the deal remains pending. Speaking at the festivities, Public Enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan assures no further bailouts are needed:

Stay tuned for more news………….