News 09:00

BULLETIN 6 October 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA welcomes the High Court ruling against Hlope’s appearance at the Judicial Service Commission
# Activists call for an end to Legal Aid for criminal suspects
# And, rugby: A good weekend for SA teams in the United Rugby Championship

# The DA has welcomed the Johannesburg High Court’s dismissal of the MK Party’s bid to postpone this week’s Judicial Service Commission interviews. This follows a Western Cape High Court interdict preventing impeached former judge president John Hlophe from participating in JSC processes. The DA’s Karabo Khakhau hailed the ruling as a victory for judicial integrity, ensuring judges’ selection remains free from interference:

# The Activists and Citizens Forum has urged the government to abolish Legal Aid for criminal suspects, following the mass killing of 18 people in Lusikisiki. The forum claims taxpayers’ money should not fund defense lawyers for violent criminals. Spokesperson Dennis Bloem argues that current policies enable increased murder rates, kidnappings, and violent crimes. He calls for immediate policy change:

# A plane carrying 40 tonnes of urgent medical aid from the United Arab Emirates landed in Lebanon yesterday. The UAE’s foreign ministry says it demonstrates the close fraternal relations between the two nations. The ministry previously said the UAE is concerned over the increased escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, and its impact on regional stability. Lebanese sources say as many as one-million people have been displaced in the country in recent weeks. This includes more than 200-thousand people who, according to the UN, have fled across the border into Syria.

# Rugby: The four South African teams who played United Rugby Championship matches on Saturday, all brought home victories.  After last weekend’s disappointment the Stormers bounced back with a 36-5 victory over Zebre.  The Sharks had a close encounter but managed to beat the Dragons 33-30. At Loftus the Bulls slashed Ulster 47-21, while the Lions did the same to Edinburgh, with a final score of 55-21.  Next weekend the Sharks will be up against Benetton, the Stormers will meet Edinburgh, with the Bulls taking on the Ospreys.

# And, Airlink will begin flights between Johannesburg and Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, starting 28 March 2025. Airlink CEO Rodger Foster says the airline, which already operates flights to Lubumbashi, sees the DRC as a significant market highlighting Kinshasa’s importance as Africa’s most populous city. He says the service will run three times a week, enhancing travel options for passengers, with convenient connections to other regional and intercontinental destinations.

Stay tuned for more news………….