News 08:00

BULLETIN 5 May 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The South African Council of Churches urges unity and prayer ahead of the elections
# Rugby: The Sharks will face Gloucester in the Challenge Cup final
# And, the Gauteng premier honours the legacy of Motsoko Pheko

# The South African Council of Churches urges congregations to come together in prayer as the election approaches. With just 24 days left, the council’s Mzwandile Molo emphasises the importance of religious leaders promoting peace and tolerance. Molo will lead a national prayer for the elections today at Grace Bible Church in Soweto, calling on leaders to unite the nation:

# City Power has completed inspection of underground tunnels to assess damage to electricity infrastructure. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena says rubble removal will begin this morning, as a crucial step in restoring power after widespread interruption caused by underground fire. Mangena says, investigations have revealed that 300 meters of stolen copper cable confirmed tampering as the cause of flames. He says the entity will provide accurate restoration estimates after debris clearance.

# Kenyan president William Ruto has delayed the reopening of schools scheduled for this week due to the looming threat of Cyclone Hidaya hitting coastal regions. The decision follows devastating floods that have claimed over 200 lives and displaced more than 150-thousand people. With many schools submerged or damaged, learners will have to wait for new reopening dates. Authorities are urging people near dams and reservoirs to evacuate as the cyclone approaches. In neighbouring Tanzania, more than 155 people have died with the cyclone expected to hit coastal areas.

# Rugby: The Sharks became the first South African team to reach the final of a traditionally European club competition when they fought back to beat Clermont 32-31 in the Challenge Cup in London yesterday. In the second semi-final, Gloucester did enough to protect their early cushion as they held off Treviso, 40-23. The teams will meet in the final at Tottenham Stadium on 24 May, the evening before the Champions Cup final at the same venue.

# And, Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has paid tribute to struggle hero, renowned lawyer, author and historian, Motsoko Pheko. Pheko who passed away on 19 April at the age of 93, was given a Special Provincial Funeral, and laid to rest yesterday. Lesufi described him as an iconic figure with a formidable legacy. He praised Pheko’s dedication to South Africa’s liberation struggle, highlighting his role as a member of Parliament and as the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania’s representative to the United Nation:

Stay tuned for more news………….