News 09:00

BULLETIN 28 January 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AfriForum warns the ANC could abuse the spy bill to stay in power
# MEC Allen condemns the killing of a police officer in Khayelitsha
# And, tennis: Sabalenka says her hard work has paid off after defending her Australian Open title

# AfriForum has expressed concern that the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill could be used by the ANC to maintain its hold on power. These sentiments were raised during public hearings conducted by the ad hoc committee responsible for processing the bill in Tshwane. AfriForum’s spokesperson on Community Safety, Jacques Broodryk, criticised the provisions for mass surveillance in the bill, stating they lack essential safeguards for privacy and freedom of expression. 

# The Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagan Allen, has condemned the killing of an off-duty police officer and his friend in Khayelitsha on Friday evening, on the eve of National Police Day SA. Allen says the officer was affiliated with Cape Town Central SAPS but stationed at courts. A manhunt is underway for the perpetrators, as authorities seek justice in response to this tragic incident:

Staying in the Western Cape: The South African Human Rights Commission has confirmed it is currently in consultation after receiving a complaint regarding sewage spills and water outages in the Knysna Local Municipality. Commissioner Aseza Gungubele says the complaints regarding service delivery are considered human rights issues that require resolution through proper consultation processes. Meanwhile, Knysna’s municipal manager, Ombali Sebola, contends the municipality has been actively engaged with the provincial government to address various concerns related to service delivery and fiscal matters.

# The UK and Finland have become the latest countries to temporarily pause funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza. This, after allegations that 12 staff members of the agency were involved in the seventh of October attack by Hamas in Israel. The US, Australia, Italy and Canada have already suspended additional funding to the UN agency. The UK Foreign Office says it is appalled by the allegations, adding that it remains committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who desperately need it.

# And, tennis: Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka says she did not want to be a player who won a Grand Slam and disappeared. The 25-year-old beat China’s Zheng Qinwen, 6-3, 6-2, to successfully defend her Australian Open title, becoming the first woman to do so since her compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2013. She is the first player since Serena Williams of America in 2007 to secure the title without dropping a set in Melbourne. Sabalenka says hard work has paid off:

Stay tuned for more news………….