News 09:00

BULLETIN 23 November 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Steenhuisen is pleased that food security is included in the G20 declaration
# The German Chancellor reaffirms his country’s commitment to continue investing in Africa
# And,  Malcolm Marx is crowned World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year

# DA leader and Agriculture minister, John Steenhuisen, says the G20 Leaders’ Summit Declaration is a huge achievement for president Cyril Ramaphosa and South Africa. The 30-page declaration has a strong focus on development issues in Africa, including promoting economic growth and trade. Steenhuisen told the SABC that he is delighted that food security is in the final declaration, and that the G20 has committed to ensuring resilient and sustainable food systems and food security through open and non-discriminatory trade policies:

Meanwhile German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasised Africa’s economic potential and partnerships under the Compact with Africa initiative. The compact has supported participating countries in implementing ambitious reforms and mobilising investment. He was speaking at a G20 Compact with Africa event on the sidelines of the Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on Saturday. Merz has reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to continue investing in Africa, particularly through the compact:

And also at the G2o Summit, Police have arrested two Operation Dudula members for defying authorised protest routes near the Nasrec Expo Centre, where the event is taking place. Tensions erupted outside the venue yesterday as members of Operation Dudula and MK Party members clashed with police. Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says the group attempted to force their way toward the summit venue, trying to block the access road used by world leaders:

# The US Embassy in South Africa will not disclose its reasons to revoked former International Relations minister Naledi Pandor’s visa, citing confidentiality under US law. Pandor, who chair of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, received notice via email this week without explanation. Observers note her advocacy for the Palestinian cause and role in South Africa’s International Court of Justice case against Israel may have influenced the decision. The decision comes amid a diplomatic spat over the handing over of the G20 Presidency to the US after the adoption of the declaration by G20 members.

# Rugby: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has been named the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year for 2025. Marx, a double Rugby World Cup winner, clinched the sport’s top individual award after an outstanding season defined by his powerful scrummaging, breakdown work, and try-scoring prowess. He beat three other nominees, including compatriots Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche, to become only the fourth South African to claim the prestigious honour. His victory seals a historic back-to-back win for South Africa following Du Toit’s success in 2024.

# And cricket: A brilliant batting performance from Travis Head led Australia to an eight-wicket victory against England in the first Ashes Test in Perth. The visitors were bowled out for 172 and 164 in their first and second innings, respectively. In reply, the homeside were bowled out for 132 in their first inning. Head’s 123 off 83 balls led Australia to their second innings target of 205 in just 28.2 overs. Australian Mitchell Starc claimed his third ten-wicket haul in Tests. This is the first two-day Ashes Test since 1921.

Stay tuned for more news………….