News 08:00

BULLETIN 16 August 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Parliament urges unity in diplomacy amid the US tariff dispute
# Putin says the primary causes of the war in Ukraine must be eliminated before a ceasefire
# And the 20th annual National Parks week kicks off with a Kruger National Park celebration

# The Parliament portfolio committee on International Relations has urged all government departments to let president Cyril Ramaphosa lead diplomatic matters with the US. Chairperson Supra Mahumapelo stressed that only authorised officials should manage complex foreign relations, especially amid the 30-percent US tariff hike. He called for special envoy Mcebisi Jonas to guide trade talks, ensuring cohesion, safeguarding national interests, and maintaining South Africa’s role as a gateway to sub-Saharan Africa.

# The South African Human Rights Commission has launched an investigation into Sports, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie’s past social media posts. This follows several complaints from political parties and individuals regarding the racist posts and alleged xenophobic utterances by the minister. The posts are dated between 2011 and 2017. The commission’s Wisani Baloyi says, given his position, McKenzie’s conduct is expected to conform to ethical standards that is becoming of a minister and a member of Parliament:

# The Gauteng Education Department says it is finalising the process of appointing an independent investigative law firm to probe the death of a Grade 3 learner from Alberview Primary School in Ekurhuleni. It is alleged that the learner passed away in hospital on the first of this month, after sustaining an injury at the school field. The department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, says MEC Matome Chiloane is hopeful that this investigation will uncover the facts behind the learner’s passing, ensuring accountability:

# Russian president Vladimir Putin described the meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump as thorough and constructive. The two leaders met in Alaska on Friday, but no ceasefire deal was reached. Putin says the primary causes of the war must be eliminated for the conflict in Ukraine to end. He also warned Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders not to interfere with the emerging progress. Putin added that Russia was seriously interested in putting an end to the war in Ukraine.

# Golf: South Africa’s Herman Loubser leads the Vodacom Origins of Golf by one stroke on five-under-par after the first round at the Parys Golf and Country Estate in the Free State. Zimbabwe’s Robson Chinhoi is hot on his heels, trailing by one shot on four-under-par 68. There are a group of ten players currently in joint third position on three-under-par 69. The group includes South Africans CJ du Plessis, Luke Brown, George Coetzee and England’s Joe Long.

# And finally: South African National Parks will offer free entry to most of its 21 parks during national parks week from 22 to 26 September, with some open until 28 September. The week kicks off with a celebration at the Kruger National Park’s Mopani Rest Camp, in Limpopo, on 21 September. SANParks spokesperson JP Louw says the initiative promotes pride in South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage and raises awareness about conservation:

Stay tuned for more news………….