News 08:00

BULLETIN 16 June 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The US president commends South Africa’s government of national unity
# Fikile Mbalula says several parties have signed a statement of intent
# And, rugby: Bulls will host URC final for the first time

# US president Joe Biden has congratulated Cyril Ramaphosa on his re-election as South African president. He also commends political parties for working together to form a government of national unity. Biden says South Africans have demonstrated the enduring power of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. He looks forward to expanding economic opportunities between the two countries, investing in clean energy solutions, and demonstrating that democracy delivers.

Meanwhile, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says after the election, several political parties have signed a statement of intent. However, parties who refuse to be part of the government of national unity want a grand coalition. Mbalula was speaking after the first sitting of the new National Council of Provinces in Cape Town. He says the ANC is not in favour of a grand coalition:

# The Jacob Zuma Foundation has confirmed its chairperson and former South African Airways board chair Dudu Myeni passed away on Friday night after a battle with cancer. She was 60. The chemotherapy Myeni was undergoing prevented her from attending her corruption pre-trial hearing at the end of last month. In the Zondo state capture commission, Bosasa chief operating officer Angelo Agrizzi testified the company had paid 300-thousand-rand a month to Myeni, with the money allegedly going to the Jacob Zuma Foundation. 

# Rugby: The Bulls will host a United Rugby Championship final for the first time when they take on Glasgow Warriors in Pretoria on Saturday. Jake White’s team fought for a 25-20 semi-final victory over highly rated Leinster last night in front of a 32-thousand strong crowd at Loftus Versfeld. Sergeal Petersen scored a brace of tries, while Johan Goosen contributed 15 points. In the second semi-final, Glasgow stunned defending champions Munster 17-10 in Ireland to book their place in the final.

# And on Youth Day, BroadReach Health Development encourages community health workers to focus on young people to better the health of communities. One of the aims is to end the spread of HIV. The company’s clinical specialist Ziyanda Makaba says young people are the architects of change. They should educate themselves, support their peers and break the cycle of stigma to build a healthier world for all:

Stay tuned for more news………….