News 07:00

BULLETIN 9 August 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says the National Dialogue will continue despite certain foundations pulling out
# BOSA marks Women’s Day today with bold proposals for empowerment
# And rugby: Injuries and sickness force the Lions to make several changes for their Boland clash

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the National Dialogue will proceed on 15 August despite withdrawals by six major legacy foundations, including those of Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, and FW de Klerk. The groups accuse the government of taking control of what should be a citizen-led process and want the event postponed. Ramaphosa, however, says most of the 750 invited organisations have confirmed attendance, stressing South Africans want the dialogue to proceed:

# The MK Party says Women’s Month should be a catalyst for genuine structural change and the full emancipation of South African women. It calls for dismantling economic and social systems that perpetuate inequality, ensuring equal access to opportunities, and protecting women from violence. The party’s national chairperson, Nathi Nhleko, says symbolic gestures are insufficient, urging policies that empower women in leadership, workplaces, and communities while tackling poverty and unemployment that disproportionately affect women:

Meanwhile, Build One South Africa will use Women’s Day today to promote tangible reforms for women’s safety and economic inclusion. Citing alarming gender-based violence statistics and economic disparity, BOSA urges action over symbolism. Key interventions include a Fair Pay Bill, public access to the sex offenders register, and provincial anti-GBV task forces. Deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster will also lead a national women’s campaign. BOSA says the time for real change and real leadership by women is now.

# Gauteng police have launched a manhunt after two detectives were shot and killed while transporting Jabulani Moyo in Roodepoort. He had just appeared before the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on a 2023 business robbery case. The officers were ambushed in the CBD; one died on the scene, and the other was declared dead in the hospital. Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says Moyo was seen fleeing in the police vehicle, which was later found abandoned nearby:

# The Chinese government has announced a multi-million dollar rescue package after flash floods hit villages in the Guangdong province. A record 622.6 mm of rain fell on the provincial capital Guangzhou over four days in the past week – almost three times the average monthly rainfall for the city in August. According to state media, at least seven people were killed due to flooding there. One inhabitant said that in the years that they’ve been here, they’ve never experienced such flooding. Across Guangdong, 75-thousand people were evacuated as a precaution.

# And rugby: The undefeated Lions have made several injury and sickness-enforced changes to their team for tomorrow’s Currie Cup clash with Boland Kavaliers in Wellington. Flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela has the flu and is replaced by Kade Wolhuter, Dylan Sjoblom plays lock in injured Darrien Landsberg’s place, and winger Rabz Maxwane’s wrist injury saw him being replaced by Kelly Mpeku. The Lions are currently second on the log behind the Bulls, followed by the Cheetahs, Pumas, Boland, Griquas, Western Province, and the Sharks.

Stay tuned for more news………….