News 08:00

BULLETIN NEWS AGENCY 9 August 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Parliament confirms correspondence from the MK Party about the decision to remove public representatives
# A national dialogue is to be convened following recommendations by stalwarts
# And, the Olympic Games: Gold in the 200 metres sprint for men now belongs to Letsile Tebogo

# Parliament has confirmed it has received correspondence from the MK Party advising the Speaker of the National Assembly of its decision to remove several of its public representatives from the National Assembly. Parliament’s spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo says according to the Constitution, a person loses membership of the National Assembly if they cease to be a member of the party that nominated them to the Assembly:

# A national dialogue is set to be convened following the ANC’s national executive committee lekgotla. This follows recommendations from party stalwarts, including former president Thabo Mbeki. The dialogue aims to address unemployment, inequality, and poverty, and strengthen democracy and social cohesion. Briefing the media, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula said the Presidency will lead the initiative, with plans to ensure inclusive participation:

# Rights advocates are alarmed by a bill introduced to Iraq’s parliament that, they fear, would roll back women’s rights and increase underage marriage in the deeply patriarchal society. The bill would allow citizens to choose either religious authorities or the civil judiciary to decide on family affairs. Critics fear this will lead to a slashing of rights in matters of inheritance, divorce and child custody. In particular, they are worried it would effectively scrap the minimum age for Muslim girls to marry, which is set in the 1959 Personal Status Law at 18.

# Olympic Games: Letsile Tebogo of Botswana became the first man in the history of athletics in Africa to earn gold in the men’s 200 metres dash at the Olympics. Last night he shattered the dream of a second gold of flamboyant American, Noah Lyles. Tebogo set a new African record of 19.46-seconds. Silver went to American, Kenny Bednarek, in a time of 19.62-seconds while Lyles could only finish in 19.70-seconds, claiming bronze. Earlier in the week Lyles had tested positive for Covid-19 and before the race warmed up wearing a mask.

# And, finally: President Cyril Ramaphosa will officiate the National Women’s Day Commemoration at the Denis Nel Stadium in Pofadder, Northern Cape, today. The event celebrates 30 years of freedom under the theme Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development. The commemoration also marks 68 years since 20-thousand women marched against Pass Laws. Ramaphosa will tour a government services exhibition and a women-led trade expo before addressing the nation.

Stay tuned for more news………….