News 08:00

BULLETIN 2 May 8 am/pm

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul Mashatile calls for advancing social and economic justice for all South Africans
# Minister Hlabisa urges voters to use the elections to demand better services
# And president Ramaphosa acknowledges Johannesburg’s challenges

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has called for stronger social and economic justice to ensure dignity and equality for all South Africans. Speaking at the Workers’ Day rally in Limpopo, Mashatile honoured workers who fought for rights under difficult conditions. Mashatile called for a fair South Africa where labour is respected, and workers benefit from their work. He also emphasised that democracy without dignity will never be complete:

# Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has encouraged citizens dissatisfied with poor service delivery to use the upcoming local government elections to effect change. The elections are scheduled for 4 November 2026, and will see councils across the country chosen to drive service delivery and development. He says the polls will allow voters to elect leaders capable of improving municipalities over the next five years:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says Johannesburg, like many cities across the country, is facing significant service delivery challenges. Speaking at the Extended Presidential Coordinating Council meeting in Ekurhuleni, Ramaphosa said the government is engaging with key stakeholders to identify solutions and provide necessary support to the City. The intervention aims to address ongoing issues affecting infrastructure, governance, and service delivery. He emphasised that collaborative efforts are essential to restore stability, improve living conditions, and ensure sustainable development in Johannesburg:

# The DA in Tshwane has criticised the council’s rejection of a motion for an independent probe into allegations from the Madlanga Commission. DA Tshwane caucus leader Cilliers Brink accused the ANC, ActionSA, and EFF of shielding wrongdoing, stating that these allegations raised before the commission are serious claims of political interference in tenders and supply-chain breaches. Brink accused the coalition of having no interest in uncovering the truth and protecting corruption. He says the party will continue pushing for a full investigation into the allegations.

# ActionSA has welcomed a High Court ruling declaring parts of the City of Cape Town’s 2025/2026 tariffs unlawful. The judgment found charges linked to cleaning levies and fixed water and sewage tariffs invalid. ActionSA criticised the DA-led administration, warning residents now face legal costs. The party urged the City not to appeal, but to revise its tariff structure and prioritise affordability, saying the ruling offers an opportunity to ease financial pressure on households.

# And tennis: World number one Jannik Sinner of Italy faces Alexander Zverev in the finals of the Madrid Open tomorrow afternoon. Sinner defeated Frenchman Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4 yesterday, while two-time champion Zverev from Germany secured his spot by overcoming unseeded Belgian Alexander Blockx in straight sets last night. In the women’s final this afternoon, Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk will face 19-year-old Russian-born Mirra Andreeva, who is competing as a neutral. Andreeva hunts her first WTA 1000 title, while Kostyuk aims to secure a historic victory for her home nation.

Stay tuned for more news………….