News 09:00

BULLETIN 23 March 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Western Cape ANC, SACP and Cosatu host welcome home gatherings for the expelled ambassador Ebrahim Rasool
# Voice of America’s staff sue Trump over the network shutdown
# And, rugby: Bulls end Leinster’s winning streak in tense URC clash

# Western Cape ANC and its alliance partners are expected to host a welcome home gathering for expelled SA ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool as he arrives at Cape Town International Airport today. Rasool’s return follows his designation as ‘persona non grata‘ after political disputes over his statements on the US. The SACP’s Benson Ngqentsu told eNCA that Rasool represented the country well as an ambassador:

# ActionSA has rallied its full support for the ‘March in March’ movement, calling for stronger immigration enforcement. The march, set for today, aims to prioritise South Africans in economic opportunities. ActionSA highlights its Spaza-4-Locals campaign and interventions against foreign-operated businesses. The movement’s chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Zwakele Mncwango, accuses the government of failing to control illegal immigration, and demands policies that safeguard local businesses and jobs:

# The Gauteng Community Police Board has condemned the brutal killing of four community patrollers in Soshanguve’s Marry Me informal settlement. Police say the victims were found partially burned with gunshot wounds after a quarrel with a group of men. No arrests have been made and a manhunt has been activated. Board chairperson Thokozani Jacob Masilela has called for patrollers to follow proper procedures to be registered:

# Voice of America’s journalists have sued US president Donald Trump’s administration after nearly 900 employees were placed on leave and funding was frozen. Six journalists, including former Voice of America’s White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara, claim the shutdown violates free speech rights and congressional authority. Trump’s adviser, Kari Lake, justified the move, citing waste, fraud, and abuse being rampant in the agency. The lawsuit seeks immediate reinstatement of staff and protection from political interference, as VOA remains largely offline.

# And rugby:  The Bulls inflicted their first defeat of the season on log leaders Leinster in a closely contested United Rugby Championship match at Loftus last night, narrowly beating the visitors 21-20. The Bulls’ points came from a try by Johan Grobbelaar, two penalties by Keagan Johannes and a last-minute penalty kick by David Kriel. And in Durban the Sharks narrowly beat Zebre of Italy 35 -34.  The Stormers, 7th on the log, managed a 29-17 win over Welsh team Scarlets at their home ground.

Stay tuned for more news………….