News 9:00
BULLETIN 12 April 9 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Geordin Hill-Lewis says he wants to offer leadership grounded in accountability
# A truck driver is arrested with explosives worth R2.8 million at Beitbridge
# And, the US-Iran peace talks end without an agreement, Vance leaves Pakistan
# The DA’s leadership candidate, Geordin Hill-Lewis, says he wants to offer a leadership rooted in service, grounded in accountability, and which understands that no one in the party is bigger than the cause they serve. The Cape Town mayor is considered the frontrunner to succeed John Steenhuisen. Addressing delegates at the DA’s elective congress in Midrand, Gauteng yesterday, Hill-Lewis said their task is bigger than defending the party’s gains:
Also at the congress, Sibusiso Dyonase says if he is voted in as the new DA leader, he will align the party’s actions and decisions with its core values. He addressed delegates at the party’s elective congress in Midrand, Gauteng, yesterday. Dyonase, the caucus leader in the Sedibeng Municipality, stepped into a contest where Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is seen as the frontrunner, Dyonase says this is the moment to elect a leader who can take the party forward:
# The Hawks have arrested a truck driver and seized explosives worth almost 2.8-million-rand in Musina near the Beitbridge Border Post. A multidisciplinary team discovered blasting cartridges, detonators and reels of fuses during a joint operation. Hawks spokesperson Avela Fumba says the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly arrested. The 42-year-old is expected to appear in the Musina district magistrate’s court tomorrow, facing charges including the possession of explosives.
# Agriculture minister, John Steenhuisen has welcomed the successful amendment of cold treatment requirements for South African citrus exports to China, expanding trade and strengthening bilateral ties. The updated protocols are expected to improve export efficiency, reduce costs for producers, and ensure higher quality fruit reaches Chinese consumers. He says China remains a key market, with citrus exports showing strong growth potential supporting jobs, farmers, and long term sector expansion:
# The U.S. and Iran failed to reach an agreement to end their war despite lengthy talks that concluded on Sunday in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, jeopardising a fragile ceasefire. Each side blamed the other for the failure of the 21-hour-long negotiations to end fighting that has killed thousands and sent global oil prices soaring. US vice-president JD Vance said Iran had chosen not to accept American terms, including not to build nuclear weapons. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said that excessive U.S. demands had hindered reaching an agreement.
# And Golf: The 90th Augusta Masters Tournament is heading for a dramatic final round today. Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young share the lead at 11-under par after the third round. McIlroy, who held a historic six-shot lead, struggled to a 1-over 73, while Young surged with a 7-under 65. They are pursued by Sam Burns on ten under and Shane Lowry on nine under. The only South African still in the field is 2011 champion Charles Schwartzel, who finished the first two rounds at 4-over par, right on the cut line. He is currently tied for 47th.
Stay tuned for more news………….