News 07:00

BULLETIN 25 May 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The SABC has been fined half-a-million-rand for refusing to air the DA’s flag burning ad
# The ICJ deems the humanitarian situation in Rafah as disastrous
# And, rugby: The Sharks celebrate Challenge Cup glory

# Communications regulator Icasa has ordered the SABC to resume flighting a controversial DA election ad that depicts the burning of the South African flag. Icasa recommended the SABC be fined 500-thousand-rand for banning the ad due to prejudice caused to the DA. The regulator’s complaints and compliance committee found the public broadcaster’s refusal to air the ad had no legal basis. The SABC’s argument that the ad encourages damage to treasured national symbols was rejected.

# The International Court of Justice deems the humanitarian situation in Rafah as disastrous, with over 900-thousand Palestinians displaced. Israel must report back within a month on measures ordered by the court, including opening the Rafah border for humanitarian aid. This follows South Africa’s request for additional measures. Delivering the ruling, the court’s president, judge Nawaf Salam, said they are not convinced Israel’s evacuation efforts are sufficient to alleviate the immense risk to Palestinians in Gaza:

In reaction, the South African Zionist Federation says the court’s decision to halt Israel’s military operation in Rafah is politically motivated, biased and infringes on Israel’s right to self-defence. They argue this decision undermines Israel’s efforts to rescue over 100 hostages and combat the ongoing threat from Hamas. The federation’s spokesperson Rolene Marks criticises the South African government for using the court to further its political agenda against Israel:

# Rugby: The Sharks have made history by becoming the first South African team to win a European final. The Durban team is celebrating a 36-22 victory over Gloucester in London to lift the Challenge Cup. Tries from Phepsi Buthelezi, Aphelele Fassi and Makazole Mapimpi, to go with an impressive 21-point kicking contribution from Siya Masuku, powered the Sharks to the title at Tottenham Hotspur stadium. The victory was a welcome respite for coach John Plumtree after a horror season where his side had consistently underperformed.

# And, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence in winning the upcoming elections during a democracy walk in Soweto. The walk was part of their campaign as eligible voters head to the polls on Monday and Tuesday for special votes, with the main election on Wednesday. He urged supporters on Vilakazi Street to vote, emphasising the ANC’s strength and presence in the community:

Stay tuned for more news………….