News 13:00

BULLETIN 26 October 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Illegal chemical contaminated food in Gauteng led to the Naledi deaths
# Parliament moves to expand oversight of the Presidency
# And, soccer: Arteta says Arsenal cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves before Liverpool clash

# Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed that contaminated food in Gauteng caused the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto. Authorities seized an illegal chemical from a Johannesburg mall as it is alleged that traces of the substance were found at the spaza shops where the children allegedly obtained food. Speaking at an ANC NEC briefing, Motsoaledi and NatJoints have labeled the poisoning a national security threat. He confirmed that four suspects have been arrested:

# Parliament is advancing a proposal to place the Presidency under the oversight of the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation. Historically opposed by the ANC, the party now supports the measure, preferring a minister to account for the Presidency’s budget. Opposition parties like the EFF and MKP push for direct accountability from the president or deputy president. If approved, this will mark the first time in South Africa’s democratic history that the Presidency’s operations undergo full legislative oversight.

# The City of Cape Town has introduced one-thousand new metro officers under Project One-Thousand. Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security official JP Smith says the 18-month learnership programme offers youth physical training and legal education to boost municipal policing. The initiative complements the LEAP programme. He emphasises that these efforts strengthen support for SAPS in the fight against crime:

# Soccer: Head coach Mikel Arteta says Arsenal cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves after a rash of injuries and William Saliba’s suspension ruined their preparation for tomorrow’s blockbuster clash with Premier League leaders Liverpool. Arteta’s side will be without Saliba after his red card in last weekend’s shock defeat at Bournemouth, with the Arsenal boss sweating on the fitness of several key players. Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are all in a race against time to be fit for Liverpool’s visit to the Emirates Stadium.

# And, today marks ten years since Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was fatally shot at the Vosloorus home of his girlfriend, singer Kelly Khumalo. Despite arrests made six years later, the trial began only after eight years, with no verdict yet delivered. The state faces challenges implicating the five suspects’ involvement. Meyiwa’s tragic death overshadowed his last heroic performance, where he earned man of the match, leading Orlando Pirates to a 4-1 victory over Ajax Cape Town.

Stay tuned for more news………….