News 13:00

ULLETIN 4 May 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AZAPO is concerned as the rise in family law cases reflects societal dysfunction
# City Power initiates rehabilitation efforts following the M1 bridge damage
# And, rugby: The Blitzboks face Australia in the quarter-final of the Singapore Sevens this afternoon

# The Azanian People’s Organisation has raised concerns over the steady increase in family law cases over the past two decades. Azapo indicates societal challenges in resolving disputes internally. AZAPO says, the surge in domestic violence, maintenance claims, and divorce cases underscores a reliance on legal mechanisms over dialogue, while courts, designed for legal resolution, struggle with overwhelming caseloads, leading to trial dates deferred for years. The party says the trend, exemplified by high-profile legal battles, risks undermining institutions including the Constitutional Court, highlighting the need for alternative conflict resolution approaches.

Meanwhile, the ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri has expressed confidence in the party’s electoral prospects in the Western Cape. President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the campaign in the DA stronghold, aiming to sway voters. Polling data suggests the ANC will get no more than 35-percent of the Western Cape vote. High on the agenda are unemployment and crime. Bhengu-Motsiri welcomes the support received from residents, predicting a clear victory:

# City Power teams have commenced rehabilitation work today after receiving clearance from both the Johannesburg Roads Agency and the Johannesburg Emergency Services. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena says the initial focus is on clearing rubble and assessing the extent of damage to the electricity infrastructure following an underground fire along the M1 near Smit Street. Meanwhile, Mangena says backfeeding efforts could not cover all affected customers, and restoration efforts will take time. City Power has assured customers of ongoing updates as repairs progress.

# United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has reiterated the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This comes as a Hamas delegation prepares to engage in indirect talks in Cairo. Mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States aim to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire and captive release. Guterres emphasised the urgency of reaching an agreement, expressing concerns that the conflict could escalate further without a ceasefire. Talks to end the war are scheduled to take place in the coming days.

# And, rugby: The Blitzboks will play their quarter-final match of the Singapore Sevens against Australia this afternoon, after earlier beating France 20-19 in an exciting game. They were already 15-nil ahead at half-time, but France took the lead with three quick tries before the Boks dotted down their fourth try in the last seconds. Fiji beat Ireland 26-19 in another game. South Africa’s women were beaten 34-7 by Japan this morning.

Stay tuned for more news………….