News 08:00

BULLETIN 15 December 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Julius Malema is confident in the EFF’s revival
# US and regional diplomats urge respect for minorities in Syria after Assad
# And rugby: South African franchises struggle in Champions Cup encounters

# EFF leader Julius Malema has assured members of the party’s revival at its third National People’s Assembly held at the Nasrec Centre, Johannesburg. This follows his un-opposed re-election as the party’s president last night. Malema expressed confidence in rebuilding the EFF despite the departure of senior figures like Floyd Shivambu, Dali Mpofu, and Busisiwe Mkhwebane to the MK Party. He cautioned against undermining the party’s re-establishment, emphasising its commitment to regaining prominence:

Malema also confirmed the party’s deliberate funding model with funders to avoid revealing donor identities. He cited fears of donor victimisation as a reason for declining financial support. He urged branch members to fundraise, acknowledging dwindling resources influenced by public perceptions. Malema insists the EFF’s funding strategy complies with the law:

# Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba is spearheading the second phase of the festive season road safety campaign until 5 January, 2025. Law enforcement will conduct roadblocks, vehicle checks, and visible policing, focusing on public transport safety, speed monitoring, and accident hotspots. Ramathuba has emphasised road safety as a collective responsibility, urging citizens to prioritise safety to reduce road fatalities and protect lives.

# U.S. secretary of State Antony Blinken and senior diplomats from Turkey, the European Union and Arab nations have agreed that a new government in Syria should respect minority rights. This follows talks yesterday in Jordan and direct contacts with the rebels who ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Blinken said at a news conference the group had agreed on a joint communique that also calls for an inclusive and representative government that respects the rights of minorities and does not offer “a base for terrorist groups”.

# And, rugby: English champions Northampton Saints pulled off a remarkable defensive bonus-point victory as they beat the Bulls 30-21 in the second round of the Champions Cup at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria yesterday. The loss means the Bulls’ chances of reaching the competition’s knockout stages are in danger as they have not registered any points in Pool 3. They only have two games to save their season in the competition. In other away encounters yesterday, Leicester Tigers beat the Sharks by 56 -17 and the Stormers went down 16-53 to Harlequins.

Stay tuned for more news………….