News 09:00

BULLETIN 18 October 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa praises the school nutrition programme
# Cosatu welcomes the government’s move to establish 79 sexual offences courts countrywide
# And seven people are shot dead in Philippi East

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the National School Nutrition Programme, which feeds over 9.7-million learners daily, calling it one of South Africa’s most transformative initiatives. Speaking at the Social Justice Summit in Stellenbosch, Ramaphosa urged delegates to find ways to support learners who face hunger after school and on weekends. He also announced the programme’s expansion, which now includes breakfast and lunch and has improved attendance, concentration, and academic success:

# The South African Revenue Service welcomes the dismissal by the High Court in Pretoria of former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa head Lucky Montana’s appeal against his sequestration. SARS says the ruling, handed down yesterday, reinforces its commitment to enforcing tax compliance and ensuring that those who ignore their obligations face consequences. Commissioner Edward Kieswetter added that SARS respects taxpayers’ rights while upholding the law and supporting honest compliance.

# The trade union federation Cosatu says the government’s decision to designate 79 sexual offences courts across all provinces is a major step in tackling gender-based violence and improving conviction rates. It says these specialised courts will provide justice for victims, including women, children, and vulnerable groups. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks urges the National Treasury to ensure the courts are properly funded and equipped, with trained staff and safe spaces to protect victims from intimidation during proceedings:

# Police in the Western Cape have launched a massive manhunt after seven men, aged between 20 and 30, were shot dead in Road 53, Better Life, Philippi East, last night. Detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are investigating the attack, with the motive still unclear. Provincial Commissioner Thembisile Patekile condemned the killings and urged the public to share information with police through Crime Stop or the MySAPS app.

# Prince Andrew will, with immediate effect, relinquish the use of his royal titles, including Duke of York, after discussing the matter with King Charles. In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, he said that after discussions with The King, and his immediate and wider family, they have concluded that the continued accusations against him distract from the work of the King and the Royal Family.  The prince once again denied the accusations against him. Prince Andrew has faced mounting pressure over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and his links to an alleged Chinese spy.

# And cricket: South Africa have one foot in the semifinals of the 2025 Women’s World Cup after opening pair Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits produced a sparkling display, demolishing co-hosts Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in Colombo on Friday. The Proteas cruised to a faultless pursuit of a revised 121 victory target, with 31 balls to spare of their shortened 20-over innings. They have now moved up to second place on the log, a point behind Australia, who already qualified. A win over Pakistan on Tuesday would seal the deal for Wolvaardt’s side.

Stay tuned for more news………….