News 13:00

BULLETIN 1 May 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA in North West says Marikana workers should not be forgotten
# The Constitutional Court rules that prisoners can use personal computers to study in cells
# And, Israel declares a national emergency and appeals for international aid over wildfires

# The DA in North West says as the country commemorates Workers Day, it is reminded of the tragedy that unfolded on 16 August 2012 at Marikana. The party’s Freddy Sonakile says the DA demands the immediate tabling of a detailed, costed plan for the Marikana monument after the provincial Department of Arts and Culture, and the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, failed to secure funding from Treasury:

# Meanwhile, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa says the government of national unity is determined to erase workers rights in order to give business a more flexible labour regime. Numsa spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, says this is the code for increased labour exploitation. She says this is why NUMSA supports the campaigns to educate and mobilise the working class around these issues:

# The Constitutional Court has declared the Departmental of Correctional Service’s policy which bars prisoners from using personal computers in their cells to study, unconstitutional and invalid. It said that the ruling upholds inmates’ rights to further their education, stating that the restriction was unjustified and counterproductive. The court emphasised that access to education is a fundamental right, even for those incarcerated.

# Cultural groups and organisations AfriForum and Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge have raised concern over the decline of Afrikaans-language programming. This comes as the SABC faces financial woes. Popular show Voetspore could be axed, and Afrikaans news bulletins were recently disrupted. AfriForum and the FAK warn this threatens the future of the language, urging community action. The broadcaster, which missed nearly half its 2023/24 targets, insists there’s no agenda, just severe financial strain.

# Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a national emergency, asking for international aid as wildfires continue to rage near Jerusalem. Videos and pictures on social media showed the fires burning along the highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with thick smoke billowing over the surrounding hilltops. Many people were seen abandoning their cars and running away from the flames, and at least a dozen have been hospitalised. After Israel’s appeal, Ukraine said it would send a plane to help fight the wildfires. Spain, France, Romania, Croatia, and Italy have also committed to sending planes.

# And finally soccer: The Premiership title race has tilted further in favour of champions Mamelodi Sundowns after a trio of catch-up matches on Wednesday night. Sundowns stretched their lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates out to 12 points, after their 3-0 win over Richards Bay and the Pirates’ 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune United. Sekhukhune’s win not only affected the title race, it also boosted their own hopes of finishing third on the log. The Betway Premiership will continue this weekend with a full round of fixtures, including the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Stay tuned for more news………….