News 08:00

BULLETIN 20 October 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says Tito Mboweni was an activist in the struggle against apartheid
# The EFF faces a leadership mass exodus as two key figures resign
# And, rugby: The Lions hold on for a narrow win over Zebre to stay unbeaten in the United Rugby Championship

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says former Finance minister Tito Mboweni’s endearing self-deprecation, affability and humility belied an illustrious career. Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at Mboweni’s Special Official Funeral  in Tzaneen, Limpopo. He says Mboweni was an activist in the struggle against apartheid and he played a formative role in the development of the ANC’s economic policy as it prepared to govern in 1994:

Ramaphosa adds Mboweni championed economic transformation in South Africa, just as he championed fiscal discipline and evidence-based policymaking. Ramaphosa says Mboweni became minister of Finance when the country was emerging from the era of state capture and as the country had to confront a devastating global pandemic:

# The Economic Freedom Fighters are experiencing a mass exodus of leaders, with Gugu Mtshali and Khumbulani Langa resigning from the party. Their departures follow Floyd Shivambu’s recent switch to former President Jacob Zuma’s new party. Mtshali cited oppressive conditions within the EFF, while Langa expressed dissatisfaction with internal factions. These exits come after the EFF’s dismal two-percent showing in recent elections, marking its weakest performance since inception. The party anticipates more resignations as it struggles to rebuild its structures.

# Benjamin Netanyahu has shared a short statement via video following the news that his house was targeted by a drone sent from Lebanon on Saturday. According to the Israeli Defence Force three drones entered Israeli airspace. Neither the prime minister nor his wife were in the vicinity of his holiday home in Caesarea and no injuries were reported. Caesarea is an affluent resort town in the centre of the country. In the video, Netanyahu praised his forces for taking out Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar this week, and said nothing would deter him.

# And, rugby: The Lions secured a narrow 10-9 victory over Zebre in challenging rainy conditions in Parma, Italy, to maintain their unbeaten record in the United Rugby Championship this season. Despite struggling with the wet and windy conditions, the Lions generated momentum and scored crucial points, including a try by Edwill van der Merwe and a conversion by Sanele Nohamba. Their fourth win of the season ensured they remain the only unbeaten South African team in this year’s competition. The win takes the Lions to second place on the log with 18 points.

Stay tuned for more news………….