News 13:00

BULLETIN 30 Maart 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# US expels South Africa’s military attaché
# DA says SASSA and Postbank mismanagement of card migration process has worsened
# And, inclement weather conditions expected across KZN

# Two weeks after SA ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was kicked out of the USA, South Africa’s military attaché, brigadier Richard Mapoyana, has also been given the boot. He has served in the post from 2021. According to Rapport, his assistants are also no longer welcome in the country. Spokesperson for International Relations and Cooperation, Chrispin Phiri, told the newspaper last night the action against South Africa’s military representatives comes as Trump is reviewing all existing agreements with South Africa.

# The DA says the failure of the South African Social Security Agency and Postbank to properly manage the card migration process has worsened an already dire situation for South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens. On Friday, Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe announced that gold cards will remain valid until the end of May for beneficiaries accessing their SASSA grants. The DA’s Wendy Kaizer-Philander says the transition is not a trivial matter:

# The South African Weather Service has issued a level 2 weather warning of severe thunderstorm widespread showers and thundershowers across KwaZulu-Natal today from 12pm to midnight. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution and maintain a safe following distance while driving on wet roads. eThekwini municipality’s spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana says the disaster management unit are on standby and monitoring the forecasts:

# Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that an Israeli air strike earlier today on a house and a tent sheltering displaced people killed at least eight, including five children. This comes as Palestinians observed the first day of Eid al-Fitr.  The strike occurred as both Hamas and Israel acknowledged receiving a new truce proposal from mediators aimed at halting hostilities in Gaza during the holiday.  Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen after it activated air raid sirens across multiple areas of the country.

# And, Rugby: Irish team Leinster are reportedly eyeing up Springboks star Damian Willemse as a potential replacement for outgoing All Black Jordie Barrett. In what would be another remarkable coup for the Irish giants, the two-time Rugby World Cup winner is on their radar. According to RugbyPass, although Willemse is contracted to the Stormers until 2027 and is one of the highest-paid players in the country, he could well be prized away. 

Stay tuned for more news………….