News 08:00

BULLETIN 3 August 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC’s elections committee blames voter turnout and service delivery for its decline
# An education expert welcomes the verdict for the Pretoria High School for Girls
# And, rugby: Six different referees for the Springboks in the Rugby Championship

# ANC’s elections committee has attributed the party’s electoral decline to low voter turnout, poor local service delivery, and a lack of accountability. The party’s national executive committee is examining these factors and developing strategies to better understand voter needs at its meeting in Ekurhuleni. Deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane says they are exploring ways to better understand and address the needs of the South African electorate to prevent future declines:  

# Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has welcomed the decision to find twelve learners not guilty of racism at Pretoria High School for Girls. Makaneta believes this verdict offers a chance for open dialogue on race and racism. Makaneta emphasises the need for uniting all learners and create a non-racial society. He suggests an external mediator to facilitate these crucial conversations:

# The South African National Christian Forum has criticised the government for its handling of basic service provision. This follows City Power’s disconnection of electricity in several informal settlements in Johannesburg. The organisation argues that the government is neglecting the poor, perpetuating inequality, and failing to provide adequate legal connections. The forum’s leader Marori Mashashane accuses the government of continuing apartheid-era injustices towards the disadvantaged:  

# The US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has revoked a plea deal which would have seen the men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks avoid death sentences. Prosecutors on Wednesday announced they had reached a deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi to plead guilty to conspiracy charges.  However, Austin in a letter relieved Susan Escallier, who oversees the Guantanamo war court, of her authority to enter into pre-trial agreements in the case and reinstating them as death penalty cases. Mohammed is accused of being the main figure behind the 9/11 attacks.

# And, rugby: The Springboks will be officiated by six different referees in their Rugby Championship matches. Luke Pearce of England will take charge of their opening match against Australia next Saturday, while Paul Williams of New Zealand will be the referee in Perth. Andrew Brace of Ireland and Matt Carley of England will take charge of the Springboks’ back-to-back home Test matches against New Zealand in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Scotland’s Hollie Davidson is making history as the first female match official to appear in the competition.

Stay tuned for more news………….