News 11:00

BULLETIN 29 March 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa says the ANC will not do away with BEE
# Correctional Services condemns the irregular telephonic interview between offender Jermaine Prim and eNCA
# And tennis, Aryna Sabalenka is crowned the 2026 Miami Open women’s champion

# ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that the party will not do away with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment policy, despite intensified calls from some political parties to scrap it. He was addressing the ANC Mpumalanga elective conference in Mbombela. Ramaphosa has described the policy as a critical, constitutional tool for redressing historical economic disparities and has committed to refining and strengthening it rather than abolishing it:

# UDM leader Bantu Holomisa says the party will be deliberate and strategic when selecting its candidates to serve in the communities for the upcoming local government election. Holomisa was addressing the Eastern Cape UDM elective conference in Mthata. He says the UDM is fortunate to have a wealth of talent within the party, youth, graduates, technical college alumni, and those with accounting or specialised skills. He adds that every UDM councillor must recognise that their role is to serve the entire community, regardless of political affiliation.

# The Department of Correctional Services has strongly condemned a telephonic interview conducted between eNCA and high profile inmate Jermaine Prim at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre. Prim is facing charges of corruption and has been linked to crime syndicates. The department’s spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo says a full-scale investigation has been instituted to determine how this incident occurred. He says this engagement, conducted without the approval of the National commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale, represents a clear violation of established Standard Operating Procedures:

# The DA has announced the newly elected leadership in the City of Johannesburg following its regional congress. Luyolo Mphithi was elected regional chairperson and Nonhlanhla Sifumba as vice chairperson. The DA’s federal council chair, Helen Zille says the leaders elected at the congress will work hand-in-hand with her as the party seeks to secure an outright majority and get Joburg working, come the local government elections:

# Large protests against the Trump administration have been taking place in cities across the US, marking the third “No Kings” rally that have previously drawn crowds into the millions. Organisers say they are protesting against policies imposed by US President Donald Trump, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement and the rising cost of living. Rallies took over the streets of downtown Washington DC throughout the afternoon yesterday. Protestors lined the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and packed the National Mall.

# Tennis: Aryna Sabalenka has been crowned the 2026 Miami Open champion after a hard-fought 6–2, 4–6, 6–3 victory over home favourite Coco Gauff in Florida. With this win, the world number one successfully defended her title and became only the fifth woman to complete the prestigious “Sunshine Double”. In the men’s section, world number two Jannik Sinner is set to face 21st seed Jiri Lehecka in today’s final. Sinner, who defeated Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, is also chasing a “Sunshine Double”.

Stay tuned for more news………….