News 11:00

BULLETIN 16 May 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA names its members for the Phala Phala Impeachment Committee
# COSATU Gauteng raises alarm over the provincial funding crisis
# And, the Eastern Cape High Court Judge Belinda Hartle is suspended over racist allegations

# 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:

# Exxaro Resources has officially opened its New Mine 1 at the Matla Colliery in Mpumalanga, marking a key step in extending the life of mine and strengthening South Africa’s energy security. The project forms part of the 5.2-billion-rand Matla Life of Mine initiative. State owned entity Eskom says the mine is expected to deliver about 4.2-million-tonnes of coal annually. Speaking at the opening, Minerals and Petroleum Resources minister Gwede Mantashe highlighted coal’s continued role in supporting the country’s evolving energy mix.

# COSATU in Gauteng has expressed concern over reports that the provincial treasury is negotiating to prevent the National Treasury from freezing 1.9-billion-rand in funding. The trade federation says billions meant for service delivery, including 1.4-billion-rand in conditional grants, remained unspent while communities face failing infrastructure, overcrowded hospitals and worsening poverty. The federation has criticised underspending by departments including Health, Education and Human Settlements, calling for accountability, stronger financial oversight and urgent action to improve service delivery across Gauteng.

# The Judicial Service Commission has suspended Eastern Cape High Court Judge Belinda Hartle pending a Judicial Conduct Tribunal investigation into allegations of derogatory and racist remarks made to registry clerk Thozamile Semekazi. The JSC says Hartle may complete partly heard matters while a tribunal examines claims that she shouted expletives during an office incident in 2025. Hartle denies the allegations, saying she only used a single swear word not directed at Semekazi. The tribunal could recommend impeachment if misconduct is proven.

# The South African Police Service has arrested two men in connection with firearms seen in a viral social media video showing women recklessly handling guns. Gauteng Crime Intelligence traced the suspects to Tembisa, where unlicensed firearms and a hijacked vehicle were recovered. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the suspects, aged 21 and 34, face charges including illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and being in possession of a hijacked vehicle:

# And finally golf: Aldrich Potgieter is currently tied for third place heading into the third round at the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. The 21-year-old South African shot an opening-round 67 to share the 18-hole lead, and he held the solo lead for much of yesterday’s  second round. However, one over par finishes on holes 17 and 18 caused him to sign for a second-round 70, dropping him exactly one stroke behind co-leaders Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley.

Stay tuned for more news………….