News 13:00

BULLETIN 9 March 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Electoral Commission initiates candidate list quality assurance
# The ANC calls for an investigation into the unauthorised disclosure of its candidate lists
# And, cycling: There are temporary road closures today and tomorrow for the Cape Town Cycle Tour

# The Independent Electoral Commission will begin quality assurance on electoral candidate submission lists. Political parties had until 5 PM yesterday to provide their candidate lists for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures, as well as their election deposits. Deputy electoral operations officer, Masego Sheburi, says no extension was granted for late submissions:

Meanwhile, the African National Congress has urged the Independent Electoral Commission to urgently investigate the unauthorised disclosure of its candidate lists for the 2024 national and provincial elections. ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula emphasises the potential contravention of the Protection of Personal Information Act and the unfair advantage it provides to opposition parties.

# Al Jama-ah will unveil its election manifesto in Lenasia in the south of Johannesburg this afternoon. Founded 17 years ago, the party is the first Muslim political party represented in the National Parliament and in the Gauteng and Western Cape legislatures. Al Jamah-Ah president Ganief Hendricks asserts it is time for change and that the party, despite being a Muslim party, accommodates all religions:

# Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories have expanded by a record amount and risk eliminating any practical possibility of a Palestinian state, says United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. Reuters reports Turk warns the growth of Israeli settlements amounts to the transfer by Israel of its own population, which he reiterates is a war crime. The US Biden administration said last month the settlements were “inconsistent” with international law after Israel announced new housing plans in the occupied West Bank.

# And, cycling: Temporary road closures are in operation for this weekend’s Cape Town Cycle Tour. This includes roads in the city bowl, around the Cape Town Stadium and in the southern suburbs. Helen Suzman Boulevard from Beach Road to the traffic circle will be closed from 2PM today until 9PM tomorrow, while Chapman’s Peak closes from 6PM this evening to 6PM tomorrow evening. Nelson Mandela Boulevard incoming from Strand Street closes from 7PM tonight to 4PM tomorrow.The full list of road closures and viewing points for spectators, friends and family of riders can be accessed at www.capetowncycletour.com.

Stay tuned for more news………….