News 08:00

BULLETIN 27 June, 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The deputy minister of Police calls the organisers of the 30 June protests a minority of misguided people
# Fikile Mbalula launches the ANC Women’s League volunteer drive to spearhead the party’s 2026 election campaign
# And motorsport, Kimi Antonelli dominates the first two practice runs at the Austrian Grand Prix

# The Deputy Police minister Polly Boshielo has described organisers of the planned 30 June demonstrations as a small minority of misguided people. Boshielo was addressing a joint law enforcement parade at the FNB stadium yesterday. Her remarks come as authorities intensify preparations for nationwide marches linked to immigration concerns. She added operational plans are in place to ensure public safety and to prevent any violence or disruption. Government has reiterated that while peaceful protest is allowed, lawlessness and intimidation will not be tolerated, with security forces placed on high alert.

Meanwhile, the National Taxi Alliance says the taxi industry will be operating as usual as it cannot afford to halt operations on 30 June despite planned anti-illegal immigration marches. Spokesperson Theo Malele says high fuel prices, vehicle finance repayments and rising maintenance costs make any disruption financially unsustainable. He says the industry remains committed to providing essential transport services while cooperating with law enforcement to maintain peace and order. The South African National Taxi Council has also confirmed that taxi operations will continue as normal during the planned demonstrations. 

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has officially launched the party’s Women’s League national volunteer programme at the Saulsville Arena in Tshwane. He declared the initiative the primary driving force behind the party’s campaign for the local government elections on 4 November. Addressing a packed stadium, Mbalula ordered volunteers to conduct rigorous door-to-door campaigning across all communities to directly confront and resolve public grievances regarding failing basic service delivery:

# Union federation Cosatu says the Constitutional Court’s ruling confirming the constitutionality of the Copyright Amendment and Performers’ Protection Bills provides much-needed certainty after more than a decade of delays. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says the ruling will strengthen the rights of actors, performers and musicians. Parks expressed concern over the court’s decision to strike down specific exemptions for educational materials, as affordable access to learning resources remains important:

# Motorsport: Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli dominated yesterday’s practices at the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, sweeping both practice sessions. Antonelli topped the second free practice session with a blistering lap, establishing a clear gap over the field. McLaren showcased strong pace as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris secured second and third. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen battled driveability and seat issues to finish fourth, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton fought extreme heat and understeer to round out the top five. 

# And finally, the tourism operator West Coast Way is expecting a spectacular wildflower superbloom along the West Coast this year, with early signs already appearing in areas such as the Biedouw Valley in the Western Cape. The seasonal bloom, triggered by favourable rainfall, is set to transform parts of the Cape West Coast, Cederberg and Namaqualand into colourful floral displays featuring indigenous species such as daisies and fynbos. The seasonal rains are key to the timing and intensity of the bloom, making each year’s display unique for visitors.  

Stay tuned for more news………….