News 08:00

BULLETIN 20 April 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa reiterates calls for restraint in the Israel-Iran conflict
# An Egyptian minister calls for the creation of a Palestinian State
# And, rugby: The Bulls lose their other captain to injury

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated calls on Iran and Israel to desist from escalating conflict. Speaking to the media during an electoral campaign in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa cautioned against escalation, warning of regional warfare. Ramaphosa recalled prior alerts on the Israel-Hamas war’s ripple effects. He stresses the need for cautious handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict to prevent broader Middle East conflict:

In another development the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry also advocated for the establishment of a Palestinian State. Addressing the media in Pretoria, Shoukry urged the international community to aid in de-escalating the Israel-Palestinian conflict. He says the situation in Gaza is dire, with more than 33-thousand people killed in Palestine. He emphasises the need for increased funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency:

# The Police ministry is hosting a Crime Prevention Imbizo in Gugulethu, Western Cape, aiming to address safety concerns and combat criminality. Gugulethu hosts high-crime communities and is among the top ten precincts for murders in the province, with firearms being the primary weapon. Today’s Imbizo focuses on tackling serious and violent crimes and fostering closer collaboration between residents and law enforcement agencies to enhance police response.

# Rugby: The Bulls have lost their other captain, with the news Marcell Coetzee won’t be able to lead them for the rest of the United Rugby Championship season. He sustained a knee injury that needed surgery. This follows the hamstring injury to co-captain Ruan Nortjé, who will still be out for a few weeks. World Cup-winning Springbok Marco van Staden is also still recovering from a knee injury, while loose forward Jannes Kirsten wasn’t able to play for the side since joining from Exeter Chiefs.

# And, motorists are advised of the closure of the R21 in Gauteng in both southbound and northbound directions this weekend from Nelmapius Drive to Olifantsfontein. Eskom will conduct essential maintenance, installing new overhead transmission power lines and a conductor supplying electricity to the area. Closure times are from 6 AM to 6 PM today and 6 AM to midday on Sunday. Motorists will be redirected via the M57 detour route.

Stay tuned for more news………….