News 13:00

BULLETIN 21 March 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# RISE Mzansi calls for a change of government on Human Rights Day
# Parliament says it has advanced the Human Rights agenda with new laws
# And soccer,  #NotInMyName welcomes the withdrawal of SAFA’s declaration of Ria Ledwaba as persona non grata

# In commemorating Human Rights Day and the Sharpeville massacre, RISE Mzansi has challenged the government’s record since 1994, highlighting ongoing struggles in neglected communities. The organisation demands accountability, citing instances of government failure in providing essential services like water, leading to crises across the nation. RISE Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi, urged voters to use the upcoming general elections to elect new leaders committed to dignity, humanity, and human rights:

# Parliament says that in the past three decades, it has passed significant laws to bolster human rights in South Africa. Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says in the past year, new laws have been implemented to complement South Africans human rights. Mothapo emphasised that the National Health Insurance Bill guarantees access to quality healthcare for all, while the 18th Constitutional Amendment Bill recognises Sign Language as the 12th official language, promoting the rights of the deaf community. Additionally, the National Council on Gender-based Violence Bill aims to address violence against women.

# Gauteng’s MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Mbali Hlophe and the MEC for Finance Jacob Mamabolo have assured the public and the beneficiaries of non-profit organisations that the 2024/25 allocations will be processed by the Social Development Department. Social Development spokesperson, Themba Gadebe, says non-compliant NPOs have been urged to ensure compliance for funding eligibility. He says rejected and new applicants will be considered:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Vladimir Putin with his re-election as president of the Russian Federation. Ramaphosa re-emphasised the commitment of the two countries to mutual cooperation at the multilateral level, including common membership of the United Nations, the G20, BRICS and other multilateral bodies. He said South Africa’s strongly believes in the maintenance of international peace and security and will continue to engage both the Russian Federation and Republic of Ukraine in search of lasting peace between the two neighbouring countries.

# Soccer: The civil rights movement #NotInMyName has partially welcomed the withdrawal of the declaration against former SAFA vice-president Ria Ledwaba, but insists on a public apology to her and all soccer loving South Africans. Following the Hawks’ raid on SAFA House, the Confederation of African Football has raised concerns about soccer’s image in South Africa and requested a report ensuring compliance with CAF and FIFA statutes. #NotInMyName president Siyabulela Jentile says they demand transparency and FIFA intervention to restore South African soccer’s reputation.

Stay tuned for more news………….