News 07:00

BULLETIN 20 April 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Pandor hosts the 10th session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation
# Minister Thandi Modise will review the request for legal assistance by Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
# And, rugby: An understrength but spirited Sharks team lose their URC clash with Glasgow

# Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, co-chaired the tenth Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation with Egyptian Foreign Affairs minister, Sameh Shoukry, in Pretoria. Pandor highlighted the enduring diplomatic, political, economic, and social ties between the two nations. She said the session fostered discussions on mutual interests, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement implementation and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Legal Cooperation:

# Defence and Military Veterans minister Thandi Modise is reviewing a request from her predecessor and former National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for legal assistance in a corruption case. The ministry revealed the South African National Defence Force Head of Legal Service Eric Mnisi handled the request without proper approval. Mapisa-Nqakula stands accused of soliciting over two-million-rand in bribes during her tenure as Defence minister. Ministry spokesperson Amos Phago says Modise has initiated an investigation into the matter to protect public funds:

# The ruling Swapo Party of Namibia yesterday marked 64 years since its foundation on 19 April 1960, with its eyes fixed on the upcoming national elections. Namibian news agency Nampa reports Swapo vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called on party members to unify as they prepares for the vote. Nandi-Ndaitwah, Swapo’s presidential candidate, says the party has its roots in the common struggle of the Namibian people, and with recent discoveries of oil and gas, the ruling party is committed to ensuring the sustainable utilisation of Namibia’s natural resources.

# Rugby: Glasgow Warriors ran out 21-10 winners over the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship clash in Scotland last night. News24 reports the home side outscored the Sharks by three tries to two. The visitors, who named an understrength side for the encounter, showed plenty of the fighting spirit that will serve them well in their Challenge Cup semi-final clash against Clermont in two weeks’ time.

# And, motorists are advised of the closure of the R21 in Gauteng in both southbound and northbound directions this weekend from Nelmapius Drive to Olifantsfontein. Eskom will conduct essential maintenance, installing new overhead transmission power lines and a conductor supplying electricity to the area. Closure times are from 6 AM to 6 PM today and 6 AM to midday on Sunday. Motorists will be redirected via the M57 detour route.

Stay tuned for more news………….