News 08:00

BULLETIN 26 February 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Human Rights Commission’s hate speech case against Julius Malema begins in the Equality Court
# AZAPO says South Africans are beginning to see the hypocrisy of politicians
# And, at least 15 people were  killed in a Catholic church attack in Burkina Faso

# The Equality Court in Cape Town will today hear the South African Human Rights Commission’s case against EFF leader Julius Malema, over his withdrawal of an apology for hate speech utterances. The commission found parts of Malema’s public speech in the Western Cape in October 2022, amounted to hate speech and incitement to violence. This followed a complaint from AfriForum. Malema has maintained that his speech was taken out of context and that the processes followed by the commission were flawed as he was never allowed to give his version.

# The Azanian People’s Organisation says South Africans are beginning to see the hypocrisy of politicians and their parties in trying to buy their votes through empty promises, food parcels, or free t-shirts. The party’s spokesperson, Jabu Rakwena, says there is a video clip of a young man who over the weekend attended the ANC election manifesto in Durban, and enjoyed a free outing, lunch, and a t-shirt. He says however the man stated he won’t be voting for the ruling party:

# Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has appointed members to the Disciplinary Board, saying this is a crucial step in upholding financial integrity and accountability. The board serves as an independent body responsible for investigating allegations of financial misconduct. Its key role is to recommend appropriate actions, including disciplinary and criminal proceedings, against individuals implicated in financial wrongdoing. Gwamanda says he is confident that the re-established Disciplinary Board will play a vital role in expediting investigations, recommending sanctions, and ensuring accountability for any financial misconduct within the city.

# At least 15 people have been killed and two others injured in what is believed to be a terrorist attack on a Catholic church in north-eastern Burkina Faso. According to reports, gunmen entered the church in the Essakane village during Sunday service and started shooting randomly. The church says the gunmen were suspected Islamist militants. This deadly shooting is the latest in a series of atrocities blamed on jihadist groups active in the region, some of which have targeted Christian churches while others have involved the abduction of clergy.

# Soccer: Liverpool defeated Chelsea one-nil to win their tenth Carabao Cup at Wembley, increasing their position as the most successful team in the history of the competition. Virgil van Dijk’s 118th-minute header sealed the victory for Jurgen Klopp’s side in his farewell season. For Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino’s wait for a first trophy in England continues. Klopp says his team was exceptional, especially the young academy players:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-32-cents and the euro at 20-rand-90-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-46-cents and Bitcoin trades at 51-thousand-497-dollars-61-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-31-dollars-61-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 81-dollars-18-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….