News 09:00
BULLETIN 27 September 9 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Minister Lamola says The Hague Group will continue to rally the world to protect the people of Palestine
# The DA demands the release of the delayed 1st quarter crime statistics
# And four new cases of foot-and-mouth are confirmed in the Free State
# Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, says The Hague Group will not rest until it has rallied the world to defend the international laws that protect the people of Palestine. The Hague Group, consisting of 30 countries including South Africa, demands that Israel comply with international laws regarding its unlawful occupation of Gaza. Lamola, as co-chair of the Hague Group, says the deadline given to Israel by a UN resolution adopted a year ago and based on the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion, has now passed.
# The DA has called on acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia to immediately release the first quarter crime statistics for 2025/26, which were due in August. The DA’s Lisa Schickerling says delays and omissions undermine public trust, accountability, and transparency. Schickerling warns that withholding data fuels suspicion while violent crime remains high. She stressed that South Africans have a right to timely and complete crime information:
# As the United Democratic Movement celebrates its 28th birthday today, it is actively preparing to build on its track record of principled leadership ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Deputy president Nqabayomzi Kwankwa says the party is strengthening its structures on the ground, growing its membership base, and empowering the next generation through the UDM Youth Vanguard and United Democratic Students’ Movement:
# The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed four new cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the Free State. This brings the total number of infections in the province to 34 across six outbreak areas. Farmers and industry partners are urged to report any suspected cases immediately. The department’s Moliehi Moeng says vaccinations have begun, and farms within ten kilometres of infected sites are under strict quarantine and movement restrictions.
# Electricity and Energy Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has confirmed that government is finalising an electricity package for the ferrochrome sector that goes beyond the negotiated pricing agreement framework available to other electricity-intensive enterprises. Speaking during a briefing, Ramokgopa said the industry had raised the negative impact that high electricity tariffs were having on the viability of the smelters, and that he had, thus, secured Cabinet approval to enter into negotiations with the industry alongside Eskom. He said such approval was required because the intervention involved “significant concessions”.
# And rugby: Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen says their opening United Rugby Championship match this evening in Wales will be a great first test for his team. They face Cardiff at 8:45 pm South African time at Cardiff Arms Park. Lubabalo Dobela will be tasked to steer the backline in the absence of Chris Smith, who suffered a head knock. Zimbabwean international Tapiwa Mafura gets his opportunity on the right wing. Winger Angelo Davids makes his first international appearance for his new club, and Springbok Quan Horn captains the side from fullback.
Stay tuned for more news………….