News 07:00

BULLETIN 8 February 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# An advocacy group calls for an urgent land redistribution audit to address farmworker marginalisation
# Hamas names three Israeli hostages to be released today
# And cricket: The third season of the SA20 reaches its climax at the Wanderers today

# The Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation is calling for an urgent audit of land redistribution programmes. They argue many farmworkers remain marginalised while farm owners continue to benefit. The advocacy group’s Billy Claasen calls for urgent solutions to issues like high electricity costs on farms and the lack of retirement security for farmworkers. Claasen pledged to keep engaging the government to improve farmworkers’ working and living conditions:

# The DA has criticises the Tshwane ANC/EFF/ActionSA coalition for failing to convene the Municipal Appeals Tribunal and Strategic Land Development Tribunal since taking office. These key bodies address rezoning appeals and monitored access permits, crucial for community safety and economic growth. DA’s Pogiso Mthimunye says communities face rising crime. He urges the coalition to act swiftly to restore progress and security for residents:

# OR Tambo International Airport has ranked among the top ten busiest airports in the Middle East and Africa, according to the Official Airline Guide’s Global Airline Schedules for 2024. Airports Company South Africa reports that OR Tambo handled over 12-million scheduled seats and 17.8-million passengers during the fiscal year. With more than 204-thousand aircraft movements, the data indicates that OR Tambo remains Africa’s busiest airport, serving as a vital hub for trade, connectivity, and economic growth in the region.

# Hamas will release another three Israeli hostages today in the fifth such swap of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. They are Eli Sharabi, Ohad ben Ami and Or Levy. In return Hamas said it expects 183 Palestinian prisoners to be released. Earlier on Friday, Hamas claimed Israel delayed the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying food and other humanitarian supplies and held back most of the tents and mobile homes needed to provide shelter. The Israeli military agency that oversees aid deliveries into Gaza, denied the accusation.

# And cricket: The third season of the SA20 reaches its climax today when MI Cape Town and defending champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape compete in the final in Johannesburg. This is the first time Cape Town reached the championship match, while Eastern Cape won both previous editions, beating Pretoria Capitals in 2023, and Durban’s Super Giants last year. Sunrisers’ speedster Marco Jansen can add to his 17 wickets, the most in the competition ever. The match starts at the Wanderers at 5.30 this afternoon.

Stay tuned for more news………….