News 08:00

BULLETIN 4 October 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# There is a breakthrough in the peace process in Gaza
# COSATU welcomes the court ruling on parental leave equality
# And netball: The Proteas are ready for the Australian Test series

# The US leader Donald Trump has said Hamas is ready for a “lasting peace” after the Palestinian militants agreed to release all remaining hostages. Trump was responding to a statement by Hamas on Friday in which the group committed to returning all remaining hostages in Gaza, dead and alive. Hamas said it wants to engage in negotiations to discuss further details of the president’s peace plan, including handing over administration of the enclave to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats.  Trump also called on Israel to immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.

# Acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia has pledged full support for the investigation into the death of former Police minister and South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa. A five-member South African Police Service team has been deployed to France to help French authorities investigate Mthethwa’s death, who died after falling from the 22nd floor of a Paris hotel on Tuesday. Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi says the government is committed to a thorough and transparent inquiry:

# The Congress of South African Trade Unions has welcomed the Constitutional Court’s ruling affirming greater choice and equality in maternity and parental leave. The court directed Parliament to amend the Basic Conditions of Employment and Unemployment Insurance Acts to ensure equal cover for parents. COSATU spokesperson Matthew Parks says the judgment validates fairness and flexibility, describing it as a historic milestone in the fight for equality and decent work:

# The DA in the Western Cape celebrates the Breede Valley Municipality’s success after it received three national awards for good governance. The awards were handed over at the National Good Governance Awards hosted by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Velenkosini Hlabisa in Johannesburg. The DA’s Dave Bryant says this recognition proves that its approach to local government delivers results:

# And sports news:

# Tennis: Novak Djokovic said he had to “fire up all engines” as he overcame a stodgy first set to reach the third round of the Shanghai Masters, beating fellow veteran Marin Cilic 7-6, 6-4. The 38-year-old Serb is aiming for a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai, where he was greeted by rapturous cheers as he entered a stadium packed with adoring Chinese fans. The combined age of Djokovic and Cilic, 75 years and 139 days, was the oldest ever between two opponents in an ATP Masters 1000 main draw match.

# And netball: The Proteas team is in high spirits ahead of their first test match against Australia at Red Energy Stadium today. South Africa is seeking redemption after losing the Taini Jamison Trophy in New Zealand. Speaking to SABC Sport, captain Khanyisa Chawane praised her teammates’ determination to make their mark as preparations continue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. She also celebrated reaching 100 national caps, calling it a proud moment.

Stay tuned for more news………….