News 09:00
BULLETIN 16 May 9 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# The DA names its members for the Phala Phala Impeachment Committee
# President Ramaphosa says municipalities must become the engine room of South Africa’s development
# And the deputy president Paul Mashatile attends the funeral of former Botswana president Festus Mogae
# The DA has submitted five National Assembly members to Speaker Thoko Didiza for the Phala Phala Impeachment Committee. The delegation consist of George Michalakis, Bax Nodada, Glynnis Breytenbach, Karabo Khakhau and Nazley Sharif. Khakhau and Sharif played a pivital role in the removal of former Higher Education and Training minister Nobuhle Nkabane and Social Development minister Sisisi Tolashe respectively. DA spokesperson Baxolile Nodada says the party remains committed to constitutional oversight:
# President Cyril Ramaphosa says municipalities must become the engine room of South Africa’s development. Addressing the National Council of Provinces taking parliament to the people programme in North West, Ramaphosa said local government plays a key role in delivering basic services and supporting economic growth. He called for reforms to improve how municipalities are run so they can better serve communities and drive development:
# Grain South Africa says South Africa’s slow response to global trade changes is placing local wheat producers under increasing financial pressure. The organisation says delays in finalising the tariff review by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa have left farmers exposed to heavily subsidised international competition. Grain SA chairperson Richard Krige warns that prolonged policy delays are undermining sustainability, profitability and food security. The group is calling for a faster, more responsive tariff system to protect domestic grain production.
# The Johannesburg Social Housing Company says its turnaround strategy is gaining momentum, with construction now back on track at the Selkirk housing development following a long period of inactivity. Work has resumed on the long-stalled project, with piling currently underway as part of the foundation phase for 558 planned affordable rental units. The first phase will deliver 145 units for region B residents. Work currently includes foundation preparations as part of efforts to speed up housing delivery across the city.
# Deputy president Paul Mashatile is attending the state funeral of former Botswana president Festus Mogae at the University of Botswana in Gaborone today. Mogae died last week at the age of 86. President Cyril Ramaphosa described him as a respected leader who promoted democracy, good governance and regional cooperation. Mogae served as Botswana’s president from 1998 to 2008 and later worked as a United Nations climate change envoy.
# And finally tennis: World number one Jannik Sinner moved to within two games of the Italian Open final before heavy rain suspended his semi-final against Daniil Medvedev yesterday, with the home favourite leading 6-2, 5-7, 4-2. Play was then halted with rain pouring down in Rome and organisers later announced the match would resume today. Sinner is chasing a sixth consecutive Masters One-thousand title. The winner will face Norway’s Casper Ruud in the final after the Norwegian cruised to a dominant 6-1 6-1 victory over Italy’s Luciano Darderi.
Stay tuned for more news………….