News 08:00

BULLETIN 9 August 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa will today lead the National Women’s Day commemoration
# Babita Deokaran is honoured with a memorial statue
# And the Boks survive against the Pumas

# President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the National Women’s Day commemoration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today. The event marks the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March against apartheid pass laws. This year’s theme is “Empowered Women, Empower Nations.” The government says the celebration will focus on improving women’s access to quality healthcare while promoting gender equality and honoring the legacy of women whose struggles helped shape South Africa’s democracy.

Meanwhile, the life and legacy of slain anti-corruption whistleblower Babita Deokaran is being honored with the unveiling of a memorial statue at the Shri Mariammem Temple, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal today. This also forms part of South Africa’s commemoration of Women’s Day. Deokaran was assassinated outside her Johannesburg home on August 23, 2021, after she uncovered and flagged over 850-million-rand in suspicious, fraudulent procurement transactions and shady tender payments tied to Tembisa Hospital. The memorial aims to preserve her legacy of courage and integrity, while inspiring the fight against corruption. 

# The Gauteng Health Department has intensified efforts to prevent teenage pregnancy and HIV infections among young people. Health MEC Faith Mazibuko has urged both girls and boys to access accurate health information and youth-friendly services. The department’s spokesperson Steve Mabona says Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention option for eligible HIV-negative people, is available at 133 public healthcare facilities across Gauteng following its phased rollout in June:

# COSATU is urging the ANC-led government to intervene to save local pharmaceutical manufacturing jobs. The union says two-thousand-500 jobs have been lost in the sector over the past 18-months, with nine manufacturers reportedly closing. The federation blames government procurement policies favoring cheaper overseas supplies. Cosatu spokesperson Matthew Parks calls on the Health, Finance and Trade departments to support local manufacturers, revive the Health Master Plan and secure medicine supply chains:

# And finally, sports news:

# Rugby: The Springboks faced a very determined Argentinian side but managed to beat the Pumas in a hard-fought battle by 17 -10 in Buenos Aires yesterday. Locked at 10-10 at halftime after an early Benjamín Grondona try for the Pumas, South Africa hit back just before the break through winger Edwill van der Merwe. Replacement flyhalf Handré Pollard set up No. 8 Cameron Hanekom, who crashed over for the match-winning try. However, the win came at a high cost. Captain Siya Kolisi limped off in the 25th minute with a hamstring injury.

# And soccer: The South African Football Association’s National Executive Committee has approved Pitso Mosimane as the new Bafana Bafana coach. SAFA president Danny Jordaan says some administrative matters still need to be finalised, with a formal announcement expected next week. Mosimane will replace Hugo Broos, who recently stepped down after guiding South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bafana made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time. Mosimane was previously in charge of Bafana in a caretaker capacity in 2007 and from 2010 to 2012. 

Stay tuned for more news………….