News 09:00

BULLETIN 20 December 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The investigation into the religious sector encounters problems
# The convicted murderer Donovan Moodley’s parole is denied
# And the DA intervenes to secure the return of a young South African artist

# The Section 22 ad hoc committee says it’s facing pushback from certain church leaders amid investigations into abuses, harmful practices, and poor regulation in the religious sector. The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities established a committee aimed to draft a code of conduct for self-regulation by the end of 2026. Committee member John Maloma says victims question why leaders avoid accountability:

# The Nkabinde inquiry panel investigating suspended Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Chauke has rejected the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi’s request to amend the terms of reference. Batohi admitted she had not reviewed the final terms issued by president Cyril Ramaphosa before the inquiry began. Chauke’s lawyer, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, argued that changing the terms now would be unfair, and the panel agreed. The inquiry will continue under the original terms, examining allegations that Chauke made politically motivated prosecutorial decisions.

# Donovan Moodley, serving a life sentence for murdering Bond University student Leigh Matthews in 2004, has been denied parole. Matthews was abducted outside the university in Morningside, Sandton, and despite her family paying a 50-thousand-rand ransom, she was killed. Moodley will undergo correctional programmes, therapy, and risk assessments over the next 24 months. Department of Correctional Services’ Singabakho Nxumalo says parole will be considered only when he is fully rehabilitated:

# The DA has intervened to help a young South African artist stranded in Guangzhou, China. Austin Hendricks from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape is set to return home safely with travel and financial support coordinated by the party. They plan to lodge a complaint against the company involved. The DA’s Retief Odendaal warned young people to be careful when accepting opportunities abroad:

# Soccer: There is a huge interest in this year’s African Nations Cup in Morocco. Governing body CAF has announced a record 20 media rights partnerships in over 30 European territories, saying it’s part of the strategy to grow the reach, visibility, and value of Africa’s game worldwide. All 52 matches will be aired free of charge in the United Kingdom, together with a new deal with Movistar in Spain. The hosts and the Comoros will kick off the tournament tomorrow, while South Africa plays Angola on Monday.

# And finally: Eve, the electric aircraft unit of Embraer, said on Friday its full-scale “flying car” prototype has completed its first flight at its plant in Brazil, marking a key milestone toward certification. Eve is among several firms developing battery-powered aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing for short urban trips. Analysts see this sector as crucial for Embraer’s future growth. The company has amassed almost three-thousand pre-orders for its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft ahead of production, and expects type certification, first deliveries, and entry into service in 2027.

Stay tuned for more news………….