News 11:00

BULLETIN 23 March 11 am 

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# COPE forms an alliance with a traditional leaders group and delays its manifesto launch 
# The IFP condemns the ANC KZN chairperson’s disruption of its prime minister’s speech
# And, tennis: Sabalenka makes a winning start to the Miami Open

# Congress of the People has partnered with the traditional leaders group, Freedom in South Africa, for the upcoming general elections. Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota advocates for a governance model where kingdoms and royal houses hold authority above traditional politics. Lekota says they have managed to garner the support of more than 30 tribes, who are open to the idea of joining Cope, as it presents them with a platform to finally be seen and heard:

Cope has, meanwhile, delayed its manifesto launch scheduled for today in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, citing capacity issues. Cope says the party’s national executive committee made the decision following the increased number of expected supporters. The NEC says this may cause overcrowding, leading to a stampede. Lekota assures the party remains resilient. A new date for the manifesto launch has not yet been announced.

# The Inkatha Freedom Party has condemned ANC KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Siboniso Duma’s mic-snatching incident at a government event commemorating King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo’s death. Duma’s act is apparently seen as resistance to accept King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s decision to appoint Thulasizwe Buthelezi as traditional prime minister. IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa described Duma’s actions disgraceful and insulting to the Zulu monarch and the entire Zulu nation:

# Kenyan doctors’ nationwide strike has entered its second week with over four thousand doctors demanding improved pay, better working conditions and comprehensive medical cover. Kenya’s Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union secretary-general Davji Bhimji says they also demand the deployment of one-thousand-200 medical interns, to address severe shortages. Bhimji emphasises that hiring replacement doctors during the protest period will not resolve underlying labour issues:

# And, tennis: World number two Aryna Sabalenka returned to the court yesterday and eased past Paula Badosa of Spain 6-4, 6-3 to reach the third round of the Miami Open just days after the death of her former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov. Reuters reports after a long and difficult week for the 25-year-old Belarusian, who had received a first round bye, it was made a little bit longer as heavy rains swept across South Florida. It delayed the start of play by just over six hours.

Stay tuned for more news………….