News 08:00

BULLETIN 31 August 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Political parties declare 189-million-rand in the run-up to the elections
# The SABC is to broadcast the Springboks’ Test against the All Blacks
# And, political activist Sophia Williams-De Bruyn has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award

# Political parties declared donations close to 190-million-rand between April and June this year, the highest in a quarter since the party funding regulations came into effect in April 2021. This was in the run-up to the 29 May elections. The DA received more than 56-million-rand, with the ANC declaring just more than 26-million-rand. The Electoral Matters Amendment Act came into effect on 8 May, scrapping the threshold and limit parties may receive from one donor. However, the National Party Liaison Committee agreed all parties would continue to declare their donations as before.

# The Freedom Front Plus says the government’s anti-violence initiatives are ineffective, as crimes against women and children have surged. Despite a slight overall drop in crime, the first quarter of 2024/2025 saw significant increases in femicide, attempted femicide, and child murders. The FF Plus also calls for farm attacks to be declared priority crimes and cautions against complacency. The party’s Heloïse Denner urges a reassessment of strategies to address these pressing issues: 

# The SABC and SuperSport have agreed on a once-off partnership to jointly live televise today’s Rugby Championship Test between South Africa and New Zealand at Ellis Park. The announcement was made yesterday evening, meaning the game won’t just be available on the pay-channel TV, but will also be broadcast on SABC2, the SABC Sports Channel and SABC’s radio platforms. The partnership means the SABC will be broadcasting a Springbok/All Black Test live for the first time since the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, a game that also took place at Ellis Park.

Motorists are meanwhile warned several roads are closed around Ellis Park for this afternoon’s Test. The streets were closed last night and will only reopen at ten tonight, with kick-off at five o’clock. Significant traffic congestion is expected and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and use alternative routes. The Passenger Rail Agency and the Gautrain said earlier they are ready to provide public transportation for fans.

# And, the last surviving leader of the 1956 women’s march against apartheid pass laws, Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award. She received the Motsepe Foundation’s Shining Light award in Johannesburg, recognising her fearless leadership. The awards aim to unite and celebrate outstanding women in leadership. She encouraged more women participation for economic growth:

Stay tuned for more news………….