News 11:00

BULLETIN 20 September 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Madlanga Commission reports on its first week’s progress
# The Western Cape confirms a smooth start to its extraordinary taxi measures
# And rugby: The Canadian women end New Zealand’s reign as world champions

# The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, has praised the commission’s first week as a major milestone, noting progress despite public skepticism and delays. The commission is investigating allegations of political interference made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Michaels highlighted that serious allegations are now on record and will face cross-examination. He confirmed that another witness is scheduled to provide evidence next week:

Meanwhile, KZN Violence Monitor Mary de Haas has denied that her letter to suspended Police minister Senzo Mchunu led to the disbandment of the political killings task team. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, De Haas said her correspondence requested an enquiry after monitoring the unit since 2018. She stressed that multiple factors, including budget constraints, contributed to the decision, and expected parliamentary oversight, not direct action from her letter:

# The Western Cape Government says extraordinary measures introduced on Wednesday to stabilise the mini-bus taxi industry have proceeded without incident. The 30-day suspension, enforced under Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, affects routes in Mfuleni, Khayelitsha, Somerset West, Nomzamo, and Lwandle. Golden Arrow Bus Services has added trips to assist commuters, while law enforcement remains on high alert. Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku thanked commuters, operators, and officers for ensuring safety and stability.

# The Joburg Crisis Alliance has called for the Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero, to resign as communities in Claremont, Westbury, and Coronationville remain without water despite the seven-day promise. In a statement, the Alliance says that residents are struggling as four-billion-rand meant for Johannesburg Water was unlawfully diverted, leaving infrastructure projects incomplete. The Alliance says locals demand urgent accountability and call for a forensic probe into the diverted funds, and immediate national intervention.

# Rugby: Canada ended double-defending champions New Zealand’s reign as the holders of the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a brilliant 34-19 semifinal win in Bristol on Friday. It was the Black Ferns’ first loss in the showpiece tournament since losing to Ireland 11 years ago. The Canadians are now through to their second World Cup final, having lost to England in 2014. They will play the winners of today’s second semifinal in next week’s final at Twickenham. Tournament favourites England will play France in Bristol this afternoon to determine the other finalist.   

# And finally: US President Donald Trump has said he “didn’t want” London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan at the state banquet hosted by the King at Windsor Castle. Sir Sadiq did not attend the state banquet, and according to the BBC, he did not seek or expect an invitation. The pair’s long-running row dates back to 2015 when the Labour politician condemned Trump’s suggestion that Muslims should be banned from travelling to the US. Trump’s second state visit to the UK was largely marked by pomp and ceremony, but thousands of protesters gathered in Parliament Square for a rally against the visit.

Stay tuned for more news………….