News 08:00

BULLETIN 1 February 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Helen Zille is confident a DA majority in Tshwane is within reach
# The ANC’s chief whip warns against appointing police criminals in leadership positions
# And rugby: The Blitzboks will face France in the Singapore Sevens semi-final

# DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille says the party is within striking distance of winning a clear majority in the City of Tshwane in the upcoming 2026 municipal elections. Zille describes Tshwane as a potential breakout city for the party, signalling growing momentum after strong by‑election performances and increased voter support in key wards. The DA believes a majority win could strengthen its position and influence the wider political landscape. 

# ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has warned Parliament that South Africa risks appointing criminals as police senior officials. Speaking on evidence before the ad hoc committee, Ntuli cited allegations against suspended deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, including lying under oath, irregular appointment, and illegal spying equipment purchases in Johannesburg. Ntuli stressed the gravity of the claims, urging urgent action to prevent potential corruption at the highest level of the police.

# The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has welcomed Justice minister Mmamoloko Kubayi’s decision to declare nine-thousand Crime Prevention Wardens as Peace Officers following the Public Protector’s report. The move legalises their powers and role in law enforcement, resolving past uncertainties. Committee chairperson, Bandile Masuku, says this will strengthen crime prevention, boost public safety, and support coordinated law enforcement across the province, complementing other security infrastructure:

Meanwhile, the CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse Wayne Duvenage has also welcomed minister Kubayi’s decision, calling it a step in the right direction. Duvenage says the earlier rollout was rushed and unlawful, but proper training and clear powers are now in place. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, he believes adding nine-thousand wardens will help tackle crime hotspots, describing the move necessary for public safety:

# British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should testify before a US congressional committee, following new revelations about his links to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. New files related to Epstein published by the US. justice department on Friday included emails that showed King Charles’s brother maintaining regular contact with Epstein for more than two years after he was found guilty of child sex crimes. The former prince has denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and had previously denied maintaining ties with Epstein.

# And rugby: The Blitzboks suffered their first defeat of the weekend at the Singapore Sevens when Fiji came from behind to win 24-19 in extra time in the final pool match on Saturday.  The South Africans opened their tournament with a 21-14 win over Spain.  The Blitzboks then romped to a 33-12 win over Great Britain. South Africa who finished second in Pool A, will take on France in die semi-finals at 9:14 this morning, with the unbeaten Fijians and New Zealand doing battle earlier at 08:52.

Stay tuned for more news………….