News 08:00

BULLETIN 23 March 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Maimane warns against threats to the national unity
# A pilot dies in a West Coast air show crash
# And, motorsport: McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secures the first Grand Prix pole position of his career

# Build One South Africa’s leader, Mmusi Maimane, has warned that the country’s progress over 30 years is at risk. He accuses groups like AfriForum and Solidarity of fostering division, threatening unity and social cohesion. Maimane urges citizens to reject divisive politics and focus on building an inclusive, prosperous nation. He calls for collective efforts to strengthen South Africa’s future and prevent setbacks to the democracy:

# A pilot lost his life when his aircraft crashed during the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha Bay yesterday afternoon. Witnesses saw the Impala Mk1, piloted by James O’Connell ascend, spin mid-air, and plummet to the ground before erupting into flames. Emergency crews arrived within minutes but found the wreckage engulfed. O’Connell, who was an experienced test pilot, died on impact. Weather conditions had raised concerns earlier in the day. Investigations by aviation authorities and police are ongoing.

# The South African Taxi Council of Women has launched a first of its kind, upholstery and uniform manufacturing plant in the Ugu region in KwaZulu-Natal. This seeks to empower women in the industry while boosting the economy in 57 regions. Deputy Transport minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa says the project is a step towards gender equality in the sector, giving women the opportunity to take charge of their future:

# US president Donald Trump has announced his intention to revoke the temporary legal status of 530-thousand migrants. The migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela have been warned to leave the country before the expiration of their permits and deportation shields before the 24th of next month. They came to the US under a sponsorship process during the presidency of Joe Biden aimed at opening legal migration pathways. Trump suspended the programme shortly after succeeding Biden.

# And motorsport: Australia’s Oscar Piastri put the wind up McLaren team-mate Lando Norris by claiming the first pole of his career for today’s Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. Piastri beat George Russell of Mercedes into 2nd position. The Formula One 2025 Championship leader Lando Norris is starting third after abandoning his final qualifying lap, with the Red Bull team of reigning world champion Max Verstappen joining him on the second row. Lewis Hamilton leads an all-Ferrari third row having edged out team-mate Charles Leclerc to secure fifth.

Stay tuned for more news………….