News 09:00

BULLETIN 12 September 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Kubayi requests a judge to preside over the Steve Biko inquest
# The MK Party wants minister Majodina to resign over exorbitant payments to water board members
# And the UN warns that the Israeli strike in Doha marks an alarming escalation

# Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has requested that the Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court designate a judge to preside over the reopened Steve Biko inquest. The National Prosecuting Authority will reopen the inquest at the Gqeberha High Court today. Kubayi’s spokesperson, Terrence Manase, says the first inquest into Biko’s death in 1977, concluded that he died from injuries sustained during a supposed scuffle with Security Branch officers:

# Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen says the G20’s emphasis on science-based measures, transparency, and cooperation on standards is good news for exporters, from fruit and wine to grains and animal products. He participated in the FNB round-table in Cape Town yesterday, where he outlined how this year’s G20 outcomes can deliver tangible benefits for local producers, exporters, and agribusinesses. Steenhuisen says government is working to reduce technical barriers, modernise certification,s and keep supply chains open:

# The MK Party is demanding the immediate resignation of Water and Sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina. This comes after the minister revealed that the board chairpersons of several water entities received substantial payments for attending a limited number of meetings. The MK Party says collectively, board members across the country are draining nearly 50-million-rand a year in board fees, despite most municipalities facing constant water challenges. The party is urging a Special Investigating Unit audit and a moratorium on board payments until the investigation concludes.

# The United Nations is warning that the recent Israeli attack on Qatar is an alarming escalation that could open a new and perilous chapter in this devastating conflict. Israel carried out an unprecedented attack against Hamas leadership in Qatar on Tuesday, which has been a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks. The strike killed five Hamas members. The UN’s Rosemary DiCarlo says the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country, including Qatar, must be respected:

# Golf: Switzerland’s Ludvig Åberg shot 8-under 64 to share a one-shot lead with Frances Tom Vaillant after a weather-affected opening round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, England. South Africa’s Casey Jarvis is a stroke back in third on seven under. England’s Matt Fitzpatrick is among those two off the pace, with Norwegian Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry of Ireland, and England’s Justin Rose, all within three of the early lead. Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy is five off the lead after an opening-round 69.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-36-cents and the euro at 20-rand-36-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-53-cents and Bitcoin trades at 115-thousand-371-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-654-dollars-39-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-63-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….