News 08:00

BULLETIN 21 September 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Helen Zille says managing Joburg needs a back-to-basics approach
# Ted Cruz blasts  the ‘mafioso’ threats over Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension
# And rugby:  Whitehead’s boot wins the Currie Cup for the Griquas

# DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille says managing Joburg is a grand responsibility that requires a back-to-basics approach. Speaking in Soweto, she emphasised the city’s resilience and potential, stating the DA provides freedom under the rule of law, enabling people to flourish. Zille vowed to listen to residents, address service delivery, tackle corruption, and unite the city to restore Joburg as the beating golden heart of Africa:

# Justice and Constitutional Development minister Mmamoloko Kubayi discussed the commitment to judicial reform in a webinar yesterday, with Judges Matter research and advocacy officer, Mbekezeli Benjamin. The conversation also explored issues around the institutional independence and governance of the judiciary. The webinar was aimed at fostering dialogue on safeguarding democratic principles and strengthening judicial systems.

# American Senator Ted Cruz has broken ranks with fellow US conservatives and hit out at talk show host Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, saying it was “mafioso” behaviour. Disney-owned ABC has been widely criticised after removing Jimmy Kimmel following his live comments about the alleged gunman charged with right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s murder. The step was taken after threats by the Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr. The remarks by Cruz, a former constitutional lawyer, are a rare example of a prominent member of the president’s own party publicly criticising the actions of the administration.

# Rugby: Experienced flyhalf George Whitehead wrote his name in the Currie Cup history books when he kicked the winning points for Griquas to defeat the Lions 27-25 in yet another dramatic final staged at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon. The hosts held a slight 17-14 advantage at halftime, and with a minute left on the clock, they were ahead 25-24. However, Griquas got their hands on the ball after the restart and moments later, despite losing possession, referee Christopher Allison called for a TMO review of an earlier incident, which showed a deliberate slap-down of the ball by a Lions defender. From the resultant penalty, Whitehead stepped up to send the ball through the middle of the uprights to break the Lions’ hearts for a second time in two seasons.

Kelly Mpeku, Richard Kriel, and Henco van Wyk each scored a try for the Lions, with Chris Smith and Lubabalo Dobela adding the rest of the points with the boot. The Griquas’ three tries came from Cameron Hufke, Lourens Oosthuizen, and Mnombo Zwelendaba, with the hero of the day, George Whitehead, adding three conversions and two penalty goals. This victory earned Griquas their first Carling Currie Cup triumph since 1970.

# And finally: The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa will operate a special People’s Train from Cape Town to Fish Hoek, with shuttle connections to Cape Point, from Monday until Sunday next week, marking Heritage and Tourism Month. The South African National Parks partnership supports free access to national parks. PRASA’s Khumbuza Majiza says the train offers priority seating, digital displays, and safety features. Passengers must present valid IDs. She emphasised that the service highlights the role of functional transport in boosting access to tourism:

Stay tuned for more news………….