News 11:00

BULLETIN 25 April 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Julius Malema is cleared in the Tshwane tender list allegations
# Iran’s foreign minister arrives in Pakistan for further negotiations
# And tennis: Sinner overcomes Bonzi at the Madrid Open

# Suspended Tshwane Metro Police deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini clarified to the Madlanga Commission that EFF leader Julius Malema was not involved in any security tender list for anti-land invasion operations. Dhlamini told evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson that two individuals claimed to represent Malema and met with the City’s chief financial officer, Gareth Mnisi, pushing for specific companies to be awarded contracts. He confirmed the allegations linking Malema were misleading:

# The Special Investigating Unit has welcomed a Special Tribunal ruling setting aside an 85-million-rand tender awarded to ISF Shula Joint Venture for a KwaZulu-Natal border wall. The tribunal found only part of the project completed despite most funds being paid and ordered repayment of profits and legal costs. SIU national spokesperson, Selby Makgotho, told the SABC News that the SIU will refer criminal evidence to the National Prosecuting Authority:

# Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Pakistan on Friday to discuss proposals for restarting peace talks with the US, in the hope of ending the eight-week war that has killed thousands and sown turmoil in global markets. US President Donald Trump earlier told Reuters that Iran ‌plans to make an offer but said he did not know what it entailed. After a US bombing campaign and Iran’s blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, the two countries are at a costly impasse, with Iran’s oil exports blocked and US gasoline prices at multi-year highs.

# Sports news:

# Tennis: Jannik Sinner took a first step towards a potential record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title with a three-set victory over Benjamin Bonzi in the Madrid Open second round on Friday. The Italian world number one is looking to beat the record of four consecutive triumphs held by all-time greats Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal this week in the Spanish capital. With Sinner’s biggest rival, Carlos Alcaraz, injured and unable to compete either this week or in the upcoming French Open, the Italian is the overwhelming favourite for every competition he enters in the weeks ahead.

# Soccer: The Premiership title race is intensifying as Orlando Pirates hold a narrow one-point lead after Sundowns drew with Stellenbosch 1-1 on Wednesday night. The Sea Robbers face arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a sold-out 185th Soweto derby at FNB Stadium. Analysts say consistency is key as the Brazilians have a game in hand, so a win for the Buccaneers is paramount. Meanwhile, Amakhosi, though not title contenders, are expected to rely on strong defence and counter-attacks as they push for a top-three finish. The matchup begins at 3 pm tomorrow.

# And finally: Veteran actress and former beauty queen Cynthia Shange is being laid to rest in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. The 76-year-old passed away on Monday at a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal following an illness. Shange made history as the first Black South African to compete at the Miss World in 1972. Shange starred in the 1975 film, Udeliwe, South Africa’s first feature film with an all-black cast. She was widely known for other roles in Muvhango and Shaka Zulu. She received multiple lifetime achievement awards and is survived by her daughter, Nonhle Thema.

Stay tuned for more news………….