News 11:00

BULLETIN 24 September 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC says the Ad Hoc Committee must consider the  implications of Diana Kohler Barnard’s testimony 
# Super Typhoon Ragasa soaks Hong Kong with the death toll rising in Taiwan
# And, The GOOD Party warns against identity politics on Heritage Day

# ANC Ad Hoc Committee member Mdumiseni Ntuli says they will carefully assess the implications of DA MP Diana Kohler Barnard being mentioned by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Ntuli emphasised that all members must be cleared if implicated, rejecting claims of manipulation. He stressed that any decisions will follow proper procedure once all evidence has been fully considered:

DA Member of Parliament Ian Cameron meanwhile has defended Kohler Barnard after some MPs urged her to step aside from the Ad Hoc Committee. Cameron argued that MPs should not be judged on unproven claims. He stressed the importance of fair scrutiny for all public officials:

# Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone this year, lashed Hong Kong with hurricane-force winds and torrential rain today, while heavy downpours in Taiwan resulted in the deaths of 14 people. A lake in Taiwan’s eastern Hualien county overflowed and sent a wall of water into a town, as heavy rains from Ragasa battered the island. In Hong Kong, huge waves crashed over areas of the Asian financial hub’s eastern and southern shoreline, submerging some roads alongside residential properties.

# The DA calls on International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola to reverse the downgrade of Taiwan’s liaison office in Pretoria. The party says Taiwan has now restricted exports of its world-leading semiconductor chips to South Africa, a move that could devastate the manufacturing sector, particularly automotive and IT industries. The DA’s Ryan Smith warns the decision threatens tens of thousands of jobs and undermines economic growth:

# Cricket: Ben Stokes was named as England captain for the Ashes tour as the squad was announced on Tuesday for five tests in Australia, which starts in November. Harry Brook has been confirmed as England’s vice-captain. Fast bowler Mark Wood returns after his recovery from a left knee injury, while spinner Shoaib Bashir is available again following a finger injury. Seamer Matthew Potts and batting allrounder Will Jacks are both included. England have not won the Ashes Down Under since 2010/2011.

# And finally, the GOOD Party has urged South Africans to reflect on the rise of identity politics this Heritage Day, warning that extremist views are becoming politically profitable. Secretary-general Brett Herron criticised parties within the government of national unity and opposition for campaigning on race and ethnic nationalism. He said inequality and unfulfilled democratic promises fuel grievance politics, urging South Africans to reject division and recommit to unity:

Stay tuned for more news………….