News 13:00

BULLETIN 11 April 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# John Steenhuisen says the DA has proven in the government of national unity that it delivers for all South Africans
# FOSA rejects setting out deportation figures as a measure of success
# And road running: Gerda Steyn makes history with a 7th consecutive win in the Two Oceans Marathon

# Outgoing DA leader, John Steenhuisen, says the party he inherited in 2019 was on its knees, riddled by divisiveness and lacking confidence. The party’s two-day elective congress, currently underway in Midrand, Gauteng, will elect either frontrunner Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis or Sedibeng caucus leader Sibusiso Dyonase as the new leader. Delivering his final remarks, Steenhuisen says that through the DA’s work in the government of national unity, the party has proven it delivers for all South Africans:

Steenhuisen also says he is immensely proud of what he has achieved, adding that he has accomplished his mission. He delivered his final remarks as leader today. Steenhuisen, who announced in February that he would not stand for a third term, says he hands over the baton of leadership with immense pride and complete confidence:

# Trade union Solidarity says arms manufacturer Denel’s internal audit into management issues at Denel Pretoria Metal Pressings must be fully transparent and independent. The union warns that delays and incomplete reporting risk deepening the crisis at the state-owned arms company. Solidarity’s Derek Mans concerns were raised in January after employees were told salaries might not be paid. Mans calls for full disclosure on governance failures and possible disciplinary action:

# The Forum for South Africa has rejected Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber’s claim that deporting over 110-thousand illegal immigrants reflects success. The organisation says rising deportations highlight failures in border control rather than progress. FOSA warns of growing pressure on public services and calls deportations reactive. FOSA spokesperson Tebogo Mashilompane is demanding stricter border enforcement, action against corruption, and transparency, as technology alone cannot fix a compromised immigration system.

# Road running: The queen of the road, Gerda Steyn, has made history by winning her seventh consecutive Two Oceans Marathon women’s title in a time of 3 hours 27 minutes and 43 seconds, strengthening her reputation in the sport. Steyn extended her unbeaten streak in the 56-kilometre ultra since 2018 at the Cape Town race. The men’s race was won by Arthur Jantjies in a time of three hours and nine minutes, securing 380-thousand-rand after a strong final surge over the 56-kilometre course. The half-marathon event will be held tomorrow.

# And finally: South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, Groot Constantia in Cape Town, has launched a new short film titled “Rooted. Preserved. Shared.” The estate says the film honours the people behind its winemaking and conservation efforts, highlighting how tradition and craftsmanship have shaped it into a national treasure. The estate’s CEO Jean Naudé described the farm as a symbol of authenticity and a deep human connection to the land, where history, culture and winemaking come together.

Stay tuned for more news………….