News 11:00

BULLETIN 19 October 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Motsepe rules out an ANC presidency bid
# Mbalula says a summons to the Madlanga Commission does not imply guilt
# Paul O’Sullivan countersues Mkhwanazi for 10-million-rand

# Billionaire businessman and CAF President Patrice Motsepe says he will not run for the ANC presidency in 2027, despite being lobbied by party members. Speaking at the SANEF Gala Dinner in Johannesburg, Motsepe said South Africa doesn’t need a rich man as president but rather capable, talented people. He called the presidency a sacred calling, pledged continued support for the ANC, and expressed confidence in the country’s future:

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has commended the Malanga Commission, stressing that a commission of inquiry does not imply guilt. Speaking at the Mpumalanga Provincial General Council, Mbalula said South Africans deserve answers and the government must respond to issues raised. He urged members not to be misled by critics, reaffirming every side must be heard and the ANC should act decisively once the commission’s findings are concluded:

# Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has filed a ten-million-rand defamation counterclaim against KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The move follows Mkhwanazi’s five-million-rand lawsuit alleging O’Sullivan tarnished his reputation with corruption claims. O’Sullivan demands a retraction of statements made at the Madlanga Commission and Ad Hoc Committee, calling them wild fabrications that caused severe reputational and financial harm. This comes amid ongoing probes into corruption and political interference in the South African Police Service.

# Huge crowds were marching in major American cities on Saturday, while smaller gatherings sprang up across the country for “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump’s administration. CNN said the more than 2,500 events drew millions of attendees.  Organisers say Trump is leading an increasingly militarised and authoritarian regime. Sweeping ICE raids and troop deployments in Democrat-led states have intensified the outrage. The protests came against the backdrop of a federal government shutdown, with the White House locked in a standoff with Democrats over a funding bill.

# Motorsport: Max Verstappen made the most of a first-corner collision between the two McLaren drivers to win Saturday’s sprint race at the United States Grand Prix and reduce Oscar Piastri’s lead over him by eight points. The four-time world champion turned his third consecutive sprint pole at the Circuit of the Americas into a third straight sprint win, reducing the gap between him and Piastri to 55 points. Verstappen finished ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, Williams’ Carlos Sainz, and the two Ferraris, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth after a slick overtake of Charles Leclerc.

# And tennis: A flawless Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz to win the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. The Six Kings Slam is an exhibition and won’t count towards rankings or head-to-head records. Sinner was out for revenge after his heavy defeat in the US Open final last month. Sinner’s improved serve sent a serious statement to the world number one as he recorded a dominant 6-2 6-4 victory. Earlier, Novak Djokovic retired with physical issues from his third-place match against American Taylor Fritz after losing a 75-minute first set, with the rest of his season now in doubt.

Stay tuned for more news………….