News 09:00

BULLETIN 4 August 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Makhura says the ANC must renew or perish
# Ramaphosa reaffirms the commitment to strengthen ties with China
# And, Olympic Games:  An Algerian boxer in a gender row is guaranteed bronze in Paris

# ANC head of political school, David Makhura, has called the ANC’s loss of its majority in the May elections a strategic setback, making renewal a do or die priority. Speaking at the conclusion of the ANC National Executive Committee meeting in Boksburg, he stated that the government of national unity under president Cyril Ramaphosa is essential for the party to remain in power and implement its manifesto:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed his support for deepening relations with China under the new government of national unity. China has become South Africa’s largest partner on the economic and political front. During a meeting with a high-level Communist Party of China delegation in Cape Town, party official Liu Jianchao expressed confidence in the GNU and outlined China’s plans for modernisation in Africa. Liu emphasised that the partnership will benefit both nations and praised Ramaphosa’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties.

# Kenyan High Commissioner in South Africa, Jane Ndurumo, has expresses optimism that trade and a new visa regime will enhance economic ties between South Africa and Kenya. She says the agreement that exempts Kenyans from needing visas to travel to South Africa, has already positively impacted tourism and other sectors in South Africa and in Kenya:

# Sir Keir Starmer has told the police they have ministers’ full backing to take all necessary action to keep streets safe as violent protests erupted across the UK following the stabbing of three girls in Southport. A Downing Street spokesperson said the prime minister had met senior ministers to discuss the public disorder and unrest seen in towns and cities in recent days. Starmer said officers have the government’s full support to take action against extremists who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities.

# And, Olympic Games:  One of the boxers at the centre of a gender row at the Olympics, has guaranteed herself a medal at the Paris Games. The participation of Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting at Paris 2024 has led to scrutiny as the International Boxing Association banned Khelif and another competitor from last year’s World Championships for failing to meet gender eligibility criteria. IBA chief  Umar Kremlev told Sky News the situation in Paris is truly terrifying. He further took aim at the IOC and claimed it is destroying women’s sports.

Stay tuned for more news………….