News 11:00

BULLETIN 6 April 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Saftu welcomes the Public Service Amendment Act
# Seven killed in a Gqeberha crash, a culpable homicide probe opened
# And Soccer: Leeds reaches the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 39 years

# The South African Federation of Trade Unions has welcomed the enactment of the Public Service Amendment Bill. General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says the legislation reinforces existing rules rather than introducing new measures. Vavi says it strengthens the separation between political and administrative roles. He adds that key challenge remains in upholding the constitutional principles and improving accountability within the public service:

# The Road Ethics Project is calling for stricter consequences for motorists who use cell phones while driving. Founder Lee Randall says even hands-free conversations pose serious cognitive distractions, comparing the danger to drunk driving. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, she urged stronger regulations and enforcement. Randall also highlights the need for improved road design, including self-guiding roads, to help reduce crashes and improve overall road safety:

# Police in Gqeberha are investigating a case of culpable homicide after seven people died in a head-on collision. The crash occurred on the M17 between KwaZakhele and Motherwell, involving a truck and a seven-seater vehicle. Transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose says all occupants of the car were declared dead at the scene, while the truck driver was treated for trauma. He urged motorists to be extra vigilant and extra cautious on the roads as heavy traffic is expected with people returning home after the Easter break.

# Free State Agriculture president Francois Wilken has warned foot-and-mouth disease is spreading rapidly and has reached a critical stage. He says urgent mass vaccination of livestock is needed within months to contain the outbreak. Wilken highlights vaccine shortages and calls for faster distribution, urging collaboration between government and private farmers. He stresses the need to focus on rural and communal farming areas to prevent further spread and protect the agricultural sector.

# Thousands of worshippers flocked to St Peter’s Square on Sunday to hear Pope Leo deliver his first Easter Mass address as pontiff. The pope called on those who have the power to unleash wars to choose peace. Leo has repeatedly denounced ongoing global conflicts in recent weeks, using a series of Holy Week addresses to warn against what he has described as a growing indifference to war and suffering. The pope also announced that he would return to the basilica on 11 April to lead a prayer vigil for peace.

# And finally, Soccer: Leeds reached the FA Cup semifinals for the first time in 39 years as they survived a dramatic penalty shootout. This came after they squandered a two-goal lead in a thrilling clash with West Ham last night. Daniel Farke’s side were moments away from victory at the London Stadium after Ao Tanaka’s first-half goal and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second-half penalty put them in control. With the score still level at 2-2 after the additional period, Leeds won 4-2 on penalties. They are now scheduled to face Chelsea at Wembley on the weekend of April 25 and 26.

Stay tuned for more news………….