News 08:00

BULLETIN 9 June 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A political analyst says voters punished the ANC for its arrogance of power
# Israel rescues four hostages in Gaza
# And, roadrunning: Over 20-thousand athletes are taking on the Comrades

# Political analyst Aubrey Matshiqi says South Africans had to punish the ANC for its arrogance of power. Speaking on a podcast, Matshiqi expressed sadness over the election results, noting voters resisted the ANC due to its weaknesses and failed promises. He insists South Africans made a statement with their votes, emphasising a counter-revolution is underway following the results:

Meanwhile, the secretary of Parliament, Xolile George, has announced almost 50-percent of the 7th Parliament consists of members under 50-years-old. Following election results and the removal of some MPs, youthful members are now better represented. George also confirmed the decline in gender parity from 45.6-percent to 43.5-percent in the new Parliament in terms of women’s representation. He says this is concerning as women former the majority of voters. George indicates members of Parliament will be sworn in at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

# The National Counterfeit Goods Unit arrested two Chinese nationals and seized counterfeit goods valued at 5.8-million in the Johannesburg CBD. Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk reports nearly seven-thousand items imitating well-known brands were confiscated. Additionally, two Ethiopian nationals were arrested for contravening immigration laws. The seized items include sports apparel, clothing, shoes, perfumes, sunglasses, watches and bags:

# The Israeli military rescued four hostages in a special operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza, that Gazan authorities said killed 210 people and injured more than 400 others. The three men and a woman, who were kidnapped from the Nova music festival on 7 October, are all in a good medical condition. An Israeli police member from a special counter-terrorism unit was killed yesterday’s rescue operation.

# And, roadrunning: Over 20-thousand athletes have started the 97th Comrades Marathon in KwaZulu-Natal early this morning. This year’s up-race over 85.91-kilometres began in Durban and ends in Pietermaritzburg. More than 70 doctors are on duty, while five-thousand volunteers are manning the 48 refreshment stations. Among the female favourites to win the iconic race are local runner Gerda Steyn, Alexandra Morozova of Russia and Poland’s Dominika Stelmach, and among the men Piet Wiersma of the Netherlands, Andrew Davies of Britain and Aleksei Beresnev of Russia.

Stay tuned for more news………….