News 09:00

BULLETIN 24 December 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Belgium becomes the latest country to join South Africa’s ICJ genocide case against Israel  
# Dagga, money and cellphones are seized at the Grootvlei Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein
# And, a British man’s Australian visa is cancelled after being charged with displaying Nazi symbols

# Belgium has formally joined South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice, alleging Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. South Africa brought the case in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s war in Gaza violates the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain and Turkey, have already joined the case. Belgium was among a group of countries to recognise an independent Palestinian state in September.

# The South African Church Defenders have filed a case in the Gauteng High Court challenging the lawfulness of a Section 22 Committee established by the CRL Rights Commission. The committee is intended to address abuses within churches, including financial exploitation and harmful practices, and regulate religious institutions. SACD chairperson, Mpfariseni Mukhuba, says the state must be barred from regulating church doctrine and governance:

# The Department of Correctional Services officials conducted a raid at Grootvlei Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein yesterday evening, as part of its festive season campaign Operation Vala. The operation aims to enhance safety, tighten security, and ensure compliance within correctional facilities during the festive season. National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, says at least 12 cellphones, money, dagga, and sharp objects were among the items seized:

# A British national who has been charged with displaying Nazi symbols has had his Australian visa cancelled and faces deportation to the United Kingdom. This comes as the country cracks down on antisemitism in the wake of the Bondi Beach mass shooting. The 43-year-old man was also charged earlier this month for advocating for violence against the Jewish community on social media. Home Affairs minister Tony Burke says they are drafting tougher laws on hate speech:

# Soccer: Nigeria began their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in Morocco. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman secured the win for the Super Eagles in Group C. Ellyes Skhiri opened the scoring, while Elias Achouri bagged a brace as Tunisia made light work of Uganda in a 3-1 victory. 2021 champions Senegal began their quest for a second title with a 3-0 triumph over Botswana, while the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Benin 1-0.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-67-cents and the euro at 19-rand-65-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-52-cents and Bitcoin trades at 87-thousand-364-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-494-dollars-47-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 61-dollars-93-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….