News 09:00

BULLETIN 21 September 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The NPA calls for calm amid the explosive allegations at the Madlanga Commission
# The DA defends Kohler Barnard amid Mkhwanazi’s intelligence leak allegations
# And a Cyber-attack causes delays at Heathrow and other European airports

# The head of the National Prosecuting Authority, Shamila Batohi, has urged South Africans to reserve judgment on testimonies at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. In the three days of the inquiry, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi testified that businessmen infiltrated the justice system with support from top police officials. Batohi says these remain allegations and urged patience as the Commission continues its work tomorrow:

Meanwhile, the DA has defended Member of Parliament, Dianne Kohler Barnard after Mkhwanazi accused her of leaking classified intelligence. Kohler Barnard, who sits on Parliament’s Joint Committee on Intelligence, revealed details of a probe into unlawful property acquisitions in June. The DA dismissed the allegations as defamatory. Spokesperson Karabo Khakhau told Newzroom Afrika that Mkhwanazi must provide proof, insisting Kohler Barnard acted proactively:

# Heathrow is among several European airports hit by a cyber-attack affecting the electronic check-in and baggage system. The airport reported that several flights were delayed on Saturday due to a “technical issue” affecting software provided to several airlines. Brussels Airport said a cyber-attack on Friday night meant passengers were being checked in and boarded manually, and Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport reported longer waiting times due to the problem. RTX, which owns software provider Collins Aerospace, said it was working as quickly as possible to resolve the cyber-related disruption to its system. The European Commission, which has a role in managing airspace across Europe, said it was closely monitoring the situation.

# Athletics: Jo-Ane du Plessis produced the best performance by the South African team thus far at the World Athletics Championships, finishing fourth in the women’s javelin throw final in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday. Turning out on the penultimate day of competition, Du Plessis landed the javelin at 63.06 metres with her second-round attempt.

There was immense relief for the South African men’s 4×100-metre relay team after winning an appeal in the first-round heats. Though they did not finish the race, it was decided by officials that South Africa had a genuine case after an incident against Italy at the first changeover. The national quartet of Shaun Maswanganyi, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine had a re-run of their race in a solo time trial early this morning, but they couldn’t beat the qualifying time and will not be in the final later today.

In the men’s 4×400-metre relay heats, the SA quartet of Gardeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoe,r and Lythe Pillay won their heat in 2 minutes 58.81 seconds. They automatically progressed to the final this afternoon.

# And finally: The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is hosting the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival this weekend. It’s a celebration of culture, flavour, and beats. Returning for its eleventh year, the two-day festival offers world-class entertainment, culinary adventures, vibrant fashion, and art installations. Visitors should expect performances from headliners like Don Toliver, Kwesta, alongside rising stars and energising dance music across multiple stages. It has been described as a sensory feast not to be missed for foodies, fashion lovers, and music fans.

Stay tuned for more news………….