News 13:00

BULLETIN 9 November 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC rejects Senzo Mchunu’s request to step aside from party duties
# The Referendum Party warns of growing isolation after the U.S. boycott of G20 Summit in South Africa
# And, Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 marks 40 years today of safe nuclear operation

# The ANC has rejected its national executive member, and Police minister, Senzo Mchunu’s request to step aside from party duties following the announcement of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into police corruption. ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu says the NEC discussed the circumstances surrounding Mchunu’s matter and agreed that he would continue to perform organisational tasks while on special leave from his Cabinet responsibilities.

# The Referendum Party has noted US president Donald Trump’s announcement of a planned boycott of the G20 summit in Johannesburg later this month and his call for South Africa’s expulsion from the grouping. RP leader Phil Craig says the party is warning that this marks a decisive moment in South Africa’s growing international isolation under ANC rule. He says the announcement underscores the deepening trade crisis between South Africa and the U.S:

# The DA says Defence Minister Angie Motshekga must be held accountable. The party says this after the minister allowed the Chinese People’s Liberation Army access to strategic military infrastructure and possibly sensitive naval platforms, without following due process or considering national security risks. The DA’s Chris Hattingh says it is now apparent that Chinese technicians are involved in classified infrastructure upgrades at De Brug and have been consulted for maintenance of critical South African National Defence Force vessels:

# ActionSA says while government frequently cites Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment as the cornerstone of its procurement policy, in practice, the system has been routinely manipulated. ActionSA spokesperson, Matthew George says the empowerment system is used to enrich a small, politically connected elite rather than empower the broader black population. He says the proliferation of shell companies established under the guise of empowerment not only betrays the spirit of the policy but also erodes public trust in genuine transformation efforts:

# Eskom says Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 marks 40 years today of safe nuclear operation, consistently delivering clean, affordable electricity and supporting South Africa’s economic growth. Eskom spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena says this milestone follows the National Nuclear Regulator’s approval on Thursday, of a 20-year licence extension, enabling continued generation until 2045:

# And in golf: Despite continued weather delays disrupting play, Casey Jarvis seized the outright lead at the Hyundai Open at the Ebotse Golf and Country Estate in Benoni. He finished his suspended second round with a sensational 63. The 22-year old now sits at 14-under par, holding a one-stroke advantage over compatriot Nikhil Rama who is on 13-under. Jarvis, who is searching for his maiden Sunshine Tour title, immediately birdied his first hole of the third round to reach 15-under before play was halted by darkness yesterday.

Stay tuned for more news………….