News 09:00

BULLETIN 4 May 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA rejects further bailouts for the SA Post Office
# No substantiated evidence found in the allegations against NSFAS
# And, the International Olympic Committee announces the largest refugee team yet for the 2024 Olympics

# The DA has rejected further bailouts for the South African Post Office. They criticise the ANC for mismanagement and job losses. The Business Rescue Practitioners announced a relief scheme for employees, was denied by the CCMA, leading to job losses. The DA’s Natasha Mazzone accused the ANC of wasting over ten-billion-rand in taxpayer funds on SAPO and failing to provide a workable turnaround plan. Mazzone says a strong partnership between the Post Office and the private sector is crucial for essential services:

# An independent report has found no substantiated evidence in allegations against the National Student Financial Aid Scheme by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse. The report conducted addressed concerns regarding a recorded conversation between the former scheme’s board chairperson and individuals linked to Coinvest Africa. It recommended measures to minimise potential legal claims, including reprimanding Khosa for unauthorised discussions. Spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi says the report also advised speeding up the Werksmans report implementation and making contract termination decisions without prejudicing student beneficiaries:

# The City of Johannesburg has denounced what it perceives as the misuse of the legal system in a dispute over the arrest warrant issued against its city manager, Floyd Brink. The High Court in Johannesburg has granted a stay of execution for the warrant, which stemmed from a rates dispute with Pibir Investments. Last week, a warrant was executed against Brink due to the city’s failure to comply with a court order regarding electricity disconnection to the business. The city accuses opposing parties of employing mischievous and politically motivated tactics.

# Former British prime minister Boris Johnson was stumped by legislation he introduced himself when he tried to vote in by-elections this week. He reportedly turned up at the polling station without his ID. Johnson introduced the controversial Elections Act which requires photo identification in 2022, shortly before he was ousted. He attempted to vote in South Oxfordshire, but was turned away. The Labour Party made huge inroads during the by-elections, leading to calls on Conservative prime minister Rishi Sunak to call a general election.

# And, the International Olympic Committee has reveals a record-breaking refugee team comprising 36 athletes from 11 nations for the 2024 Olympics. The team made up of 23 men and 13 women will compete in 12 sports, including athletics, boxing, and swimming. IOC president Thomas Bach says this diverse team from various African countries, Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Cuba, aims to raise awareness about the global migration crisis. He emphasises the team’s impact on highlighting the magnitude of the crisis.

Stay tuned for more news………….