News 13:00

BULLETIN 28 December 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Over 500 Zimbabweans intercepted while attempting illegal exit from South Africa via Botswana
# The Forum for South Africa supports proactive crime-prevention measures in the country
# And, the EFF joins the minstrel fraternity in condemning the commercialisation of heritage in Cape Town

# Border Management Authority Commissioner, Michael Masiapato says over the past two days they intercepted over 500 Zimbabweans that were illegally trying to cross into Botswana from South Africa around the Groblers’ Bridge port of entry in Limpopo.  He says authorities have noted a clear shift in movement away from Beitbridge towards Groblers’ Bridge and other border points into Botswana. Masiapato says the BMA has deployed more officers across South Africa ports of entry to control the movement of people this festive season.

# The Forum for South Africa strongly supports proactive crime-prevention measures, including the searching of individuals before entering taverns, nightclubs and entertainment establishments, as a necessary intervention to save lives. Last week, nine people were killed in  a mass shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal and  ten others were wounded in the incident. FOSA leader, Tebogo Mashilompane says weapons such as knives and firearms continue to find their way into social spaces:

# The City of Tshwane’s Energy and Electricity teams have developed a short-term plan to restore power to the areas affected by the Koedoespoort substation fire incident. The fire caused severe damage, resulting in the complete destruction of the substation building and critical electrical equipment. The city’s spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo says the plan to restore power includes testing transformers before it is brought back into service:

# The ANC in the Greater Joburg region says it supports the commendable work done by mayor Dada Morero in reclaiming the inner city of Johannesburg as a preferred site of business for investors. ANC spokesperson, Mantombi Nkosi says the issue of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg is an impediment to the progress of reclaiming the inner city and a serious challenge affecting public safety, development, and the dignity of residents:

# The EFF says it fully supports the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association and local community leaders in their opposition to the City and the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association’s decision to fundamentally alter the route and format of the 2026 Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade. It condemned the move to bypass historically significant sites as well as the introduction of entry fees at Cape Town Stadium. The EFF says the revised 2026 route, scheduled for the 5th of January, is set to bypass the traditional path from District Six through the city centre to Bo-Kaap.

# And soccer: Fernando Martin, a coach with the Spanish club Valencia, has died with three of his children after their boat capsized in Indonesia. Martin was appointed coach of the Valencia Women’s B team this year. Indonesian and Spanish authorities said yesterday Martin and his children were missing after the boat carrying eleven people sank in extreme weather on Friday in the Padar Island Strait near the island of Labuan Bajo, a popular tourist spot. His wife and one daughter, as well as four crew members and a tour guide, were rescued.

Stay tuned for more news………….