News 09:00

BULLETIN 26 January 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA calls for an urgent GNU dialogue with parties opposed to Expropriation Act
# An elephant tramples a tourist in Kruger Park
# And, tennis: Keys stops Sabalenka to win her first Grand Slam

# DA leader John Steenhuisen has demanded urgent talks with the government of national unity partners opposing the Expropriation Act. Steenhuisen, citing unconstitutionality claims, called for the Act’s return to Parliament. Steenhuisen said the party would invoke clause 19 of the Statement of Intent, a document asserting the DA’s pivotal role in governance. He warned against being sidelined and advocating coalition respect:

The United Africans Transformation has also rejected president Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Bill, labelling it inadequate for addressing land dispossession. UAT criticised the bill claiming it prioritises compensation over justice. Spokesperson Mighty Mabule argues that the law excludes pre-1913 dispossessions and perpetuates inequality. He demands constitutional amendments for genuine restitution, echoing widespread public calls for expropriation without compensation:

# A tourist died on Saturday in the Kruger National Park after being charged and trampled by an elephant near Crocodile River at Malelane Gate. SANParks head of communications and spokesperson, JP Louw, says officials were at the scene to attend to the matter and support the family. Events leading up to the incident are currently under investigation. Louw appealed to the public to refrain from posting any pictures or videos of the incident and victim, due to the sensitivity of this matter. SANParks meanwhile extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

# The Taliban government has dismissed the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for its leaders over gender-based persecution as politically motivated. The ICC chief prosecutor cited persecution of women and girls as a crime against humanity. The Taliban countered with accusations of double standards, urging the ICC to address alleged war crimes by foreign forces during Afghanistan’s occupation. Activists call this move a historic step toward justice for Afghan women, as ICC judges review the warrant application.

# And tennis: Underdog Madison Keys upset Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the Australian Open final on Saturday to win her first Grand Slam crown at the age of 29. American Keys ended world number one Sabalenka’s dream of becoming the first woman in 26 years to win a third successive Melbourne Park singles crown. For 19th-seeded Keys it was the culmination of a 15-year journey from teenage prodigy to major winner. Keys becomes the fourth oldest first-time winner of a major since the Open Era began in 1968.

Stay tuned for more news………….