News 08:00

BULLETIN 16 December 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa urges the ANC Youth League to drive renewal ahead of the 2026 elections
# The Western Cape ramps up festive season traffic operations as alcohol-related arrests rise
# And cricket: Different scenarios for the Proteas men and women teams this week

# ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the ANC Youth League to develop a renewal and rejuvenation action plan based on recommendations of the fifth National General Council. Addressing the League’s 27th elective conference in Seshego, Limpopo, Ramaphosa urged delegates to help renew the movement as an agent of change and to better mobilise young people. He said the League must champion youth interests ahead of the 2026 local government elections:

Meanwhile Ramaphosa will lead the national commemoration of Reconciliation Day today. He is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, highlighting the theme of unity, healing, and nation-building. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the event is part of ongoing efforts to foster reconciliation and encourage South Africans to reflect on the country’s complex history while advancing inclusion and a shared future:

# Head of National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi caused disruption at the Nkabinde inquiry after leaving mid-testimony to seek legal advice. Batohi was still under cross-examination when she refused to continue, saying her decision was based on personal integrity and legal counsel. Inquiry chairperson Justice Bess Nkabinde criticised her actions as disrespectful. Batohi has indicated she may only return to continue her testimony next year:

# The Western Cape Government has increased traffic enforcement for the festive season. Last week, 119 people were arrested, including 81 for drunk driving, and 14 pedestrians died on the roads. Traffic officers stopped over 44-thousand vehicles and issued more than seven-thousand fines. Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku urged drivers to obey speed limits, avoid alcohol, and drive safely, while pedestrians should stay visible and sober:

# Authorities in Gaza warned on Monday that more war-damaged buildings may collapse because of heavy rain in the devastated Palestinian enclave. It said the weather was making it hard to recover bodies still under the rubble. Two buildings collapsed in Gaza on Friday, killing at least 12 people amid a storm that has also washed away and flooded tents, and led to deaths from exposure. Gaza Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Basal called on the international community to provide mobile homes and caravans for displaced Palestinians rather than tents.

# Cricket: The Proteas’ men and women are both playing this week, but the scenarios are very different. The women can clinch the one-day series against Ireland in Gqeberha today after winning the first encounter in East London on Saturday. The final match takes place in Johannesburg on Friday. The men are trailing India 2-1 in the five-match T20 series before tomorrow’s penultimate match in Lucknow. The South Africans won the second match but lost the first and the third. The final match takes place in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Stay tuned for more news………….