News 06:00

BULLETIN 10 September 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says the national convention reflected South Africa’s broad diversity
# Deputy National Police Commissioner Sibiya has lost his bid to return to work
# And, Qatar says the Israeli strike in Doha is a blatant violation of international laws

# President Cyril Ramaphosa told Parliament the first national convention reflected the broad diversity of South Africa, setting the stage for the national dialogue. In his response to the National Assembly’s oral questions, Ramaphosa stated that delegates had endorsed nine key themes for a national dialogue, including jobs, crime, corruption, education, gender equality, and environmental justice. He added that the dialogue aims to deliver a social compact to tackle poverty, unemployment, and state capacity:

Ramaphosa has also defended the role of deputy ministers, despite criticism over their high cost to taxpayers. He told Parliament that deputy ministers continue to add value to government work. ActionSA’s Athol Trollip argued that the 42 deputy ministers are a wasteful expense and serve as patronage. Ramaphosa admitted he would prefer a smaller executive, but said the need to accommodate the government of national unity required a broader cabinet:

# The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed with costs Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya’s application to review and set aside the decision to place him on leave of absence. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola placed Sibiya on leave of absence in July, following corruption allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused him of being a criminal. Sibiya lodged an urgent application challenging Masemola’s order, which he labelled a disguised suspension. Sibiya’s attorney, Ian Levitt, says this is not the end. 

# The Gauteng Education Department has confirmed that a Grade 8 learner at Qalabotjha Secondary School in Vlakfontein, Johannesburg South, died yesterday morning after collapsing at school. The Department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, says psychosocial support will be deployed to assist students, staff, and the bereaved family. Mabona says MEC Matome Chiloane has sent condolences to the family and friends:

# Qatar has condemned Israel’s strike on senior Hamas leaders in the capital Doha. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he ordered the strike following recent attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza, adding that this was totally justified. Qatar, which has mediated indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, called the attack a blatant violation of international law. It adds that it will not tolerate Israel’s reckless behaviour, and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its security and sovereignty.

# Rugby: The All Blacks used former captain Richie McCaw to inspire them before Saturday’s second Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks in Wellington, saying they want to go to another level after last weekend’s victory. New Zealand has stayed undefeated at Eden Park in Auckland since 1994, when they beat South Africa 24-17. Centre Quinn Tupaea, who scored the match-winning try, says McCaw’s presence gave the players a lift as they expect the visitors to be highly motivated to make things even.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-54-cents and the euro at 20-rand-52-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-71-cents and Bitcoin trades at 111-thousand-521-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-633-dollars-91-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-27-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….