News 13:00

BULLETIN 1 March 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Airports Company South Africa confirms the closure of the Gulf airspace disrupts South African flights
# The UDM plans to rebuild its support in Eastern Cape
# And cricket, the battle for the 2026 T20 World Cup trophy enters the final stretch

# Airports Company South Africa has urged passengers travelling on Emirates and Qatar Airways to check their flight schedules following Gulf airspace closures. The shutdown comes amid escalating Middle East tensions after US-Israel strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliation affecting neighbouring states. ACSA spokesperson Ofentse Dijoe says regional airspace restrictions are disrupting routes linking South Africa to Europe, Asia and North America, as Dubai and Doha serve as key transit hubs. He urged affected travelers to contact airlines or embassies for updates.

# British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for urgent de-escalation in the US-Israel-Iran conflict and a return to diplomacy. Starmer says the United Kingdom played no role in recent strikes but condemns Iran’s regime. He insists Iran must never develop nuclear weapons. British forces remain on defensive operations in the Middle East, with heightened security for personnel. He emphasises that diplomacy is the only path to lasting peace and regional stability:

# Businessman Calvin Mathibeli has filed a notice of leave to appeal a ruling by the High Court in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal ordering him to retract and apologise for defamatory remarks against KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkwanazi. Mathibeli accuses Mkwanazi of corruption, abuse of power, public intimidation, taking protection fees from taxi owners, and unlawful conduct. The court ordered Mathibeli to approach media platforms where the claims were aired and issue retractions within 60-days. The appeal application is challenging the court’s decision.

# The UDM says it is confident of rebuilding support in the Eastern Cape ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Addressing the party’s provincial council in Mthatha, leader Bantu Holomisa outlined plans for renewal and stressed the importance of coalition governance. He emphasised that the party aims to win at least 50-percent of municipalities and will hold its provincial congress on 21 March to elect new leadership:

# Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services has confirmed that the mountain fire parallel to the R62 near Montagu has been successfully contained. Spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto says the blaze, sparked by lightning near Meulplaas, spread over ten kilometres into the Overberg District. She confirmed that no injuries were reported, and crews remain on site to monitor hotspots:

# And finally cricket, the battle for the 2026 T20 World Cup trophy enters its final stretch this week in India. Following a fierce Super 8 stage, South Africa, England, and New Zealand have officially secured their semi-final spots. The last remaining vacancy depends on today’s high-stakes clash between India and the West Indies starting at 3.30 pm local time. Meanwhile today’s match between the Proteas and Zimbabwe should just be a formality as Zimbabwe is already out of the race.

Stay tuned for more news………….