News 11:00

BULLETIN 27 April 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Airlines Association urges urgent clarity on the jet fuel supply crisis
# The MK Party condemns the collapse of governance in the Communications Department
# And tennis: Sinner is still on course for a record fifth Masters One-thousand title

# The Airlines Association of Southern Africa is calling for urgent transparency on jet fuel supplies across the Southern African Development Community region. CEO Aaron Munetsi says uncertainty beyond next month threatens airline operations. Fuel prices have surged sharply due to global disruptions, increasing costs and forcing airlines to cut flights and add surcharges. Munetso warns aviation cannot operate without clear supply plans, and has urged governments, airports, and suppliers to share contingency measures to safeguard regional air transport.

# MK Party has condemned what it calls the collapse of basic governance in the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies after the withdrawal of the draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. The party says the document contained fictitious sources, describing it as a national embarrassment and evidence of poor oversight. It also criticised minister Solly Malatsi’s explanation that A-I-generated citations were to blame, saying accountability rests with officials. The party has called for full transparency, consequence management and urgent action to restore credibility.

# Police at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng have arrested a 26-year-old Brazilian national after intercepting cocaine valued at 8.7-million-rand. Spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says officials acted on intelligence and searched the suspect’s luggage upon arrival, discovering concealed blocks of cocaine. The arrest forms part of ongoing operations targeting international drug trafficking networks. Mathe says the suspect is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court tomorrow:

# Mpumalanga police have urged residents to avoid religious ceremonies in rivers following multiple drowning incidents. Spokesperson Jabu Ndubane confirmed three children drowned at the Wellas River in eMbalenhle, while an elderly pastor also drowned at Etiyeni Dam. She says inquest cases have been opened and investigations are underway. Ndubane cautions communities to prioritise safety and avoid risky water activities, especially during religious gatherings:

# And tennis: World number one Jannik Sinner is still on course to become the first man to win five Masters One-thousand tournaments in a row. He advanced to the round of 64 of the Madrid Open with a straight-sets victory over Elmer Moller of Denmark in the Spanish capital. The Italian is surging towards clinching a career Grand Slam by winning the French Open in the absence of great rival, Spaniard Carlos Alcarac, who announced a wrist injury would keep him from next month’s claycourt Grand Slam tournament.

Stay tuned for more news………….