News 08:00

BULLETIN 7 April 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa attends the Rwanda genocide commemoration
# Amnesty International profiles its Human Rights Manifesto
# And, rugby: Bulls advance in the Champions Cup, while the Stormers narrowly miss out

# President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Rwanda to mark the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda reflects on the 100-day period, beginning 7 April, 1994, which resulted in over a million deaths, mainly of ethnic Tutsis. Ramaphosa will join Rwandan president Paul Kagame in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, followed by the national commemoration and a night vigil at BK Arena. 

# Amnesty International SA has unveiled its Human Rights Manifesto focusing on ten issues crucial for political parties and candidates to commit to, ensuring that human rights are upheld. Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed emphasises voter accountability ahead of, during and after the elections. Mohamed noted that its manifesto highlights issues including, mining companies’ Social and Labour Plans, aiming to benefit communities, workers, and local economic development.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance launched its provincial manifesto in Paarl, Western Cape, yesterday, unveiling seven pledges to voters and seeking another five years in office. Premier candidate Alan Winde highlighted the party’s track record in the province. Pledges include job creation, reducing load shedding, improving education and healthcare, crime fighting, gaining control of policing and transport, and running a clean government. Winde urged voters to support proven leadership for a better province:

# Rugby: Despite injuries to the Stormers’ forwards, it was only a missed goal kick by Manie Libbock in the very last moments of their Champions Cup match in Cape Town against the title holders, La Rochelle, that saw the French team moving forward, with a single point. The final score was 22-21. The Stormers had been leading firmly until half-time.
At Loftus Versfeld, the Bulls demolished the French team Lyon 59-19. The Bulls are now awaiting the result of today’s match between Northampton and Munster to find out whether they will play a home or away quarter-final match.

# And, gale-force winds, for which serious warnings were issued in the past 24 hours, have wreaked havoc in the Western Cape since yesterday. The trailer of a truck was swept off the bridge between the Huguenot tunnel and the N1 Toll Plaza, after which the tunnel was closed for trucks in both directions last night. News24 reports in two other accidents on the R44, between Hermon and Gouda, a caravan and pickup truck overturned, while an empty bus and its driver ended up in a ditch two kilometers away. No injuries were reported.

Stay tuned for more news………….