News 08:00

BULLETIN 15 February 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa raises the alarm over conflict and instability in Africa at the African Union Summit
# John Steenhuisen pledges his full support to the DA ahead of the local government elections
# And cricket: Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen help South Africa to hammer New Zealand by seven wickets

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa remains deeply concerned about worsening conflict and instability across the continent. Addressing African leaders at the African Union, Ramaphosa reaffirmed commitment to Agenda 2063 and called for urgent political engagement in countries suspended over unconstitutional changes of government. He also urged ceasefires and inclusive dialogue in Sudan and South Sudan, and condemned continued territorial advances by M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo:

# DA leader John Steenhuisen says he remains committed to growing the party into South Africa’s largest by 2029. Speaking in Mpumalanga, Steenhuisen highlighted the DA’s achievements in national government, including economic stabilisation and improved service delivery, while stressing the need for inclusive economic policies. He confirmed he will continue campaigning actively, supporting new leadership, and ensuring municipalities and provinces are ready for competent DA governance:

# The South African Local Government Association reiterates plans to reform local government must ensure compliance with legislation. President Bheke Stofile emphasises strengthened emphasis on intergovernmental cooperation, stating intentions to work with national and provincial governments to align reforms, build capacity, and ensure coherent implementation. He also called for improved professionalisation, disaster management, stronger accountability, and meaningful budget allocations to restore dignity and rebuild community trust:

# The chairperson of Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence Malusi Gigaba has dismissed EFF Member of Parliament Carl Niehaus’s call for him to recuse himself, Niehaus referred to ANC step-aside rules and Gigaba’s pending court case. Gigaba hit back, saying Niehaus is misleading the committee, noting he has not chaired relevant meetings since the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption issues arose. He also highlighted Niehaus’s own past relations with the Gupta brothers and parliamentary procedures.

# Secretary of State Marco Rubio cast the United States as the “child of Europe” in a message of unity on Saturday. Rubio was addressing the annual Munich Security Conference, where European nations have tried to project their own independence while trying to keep an alliance with the US. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul were both optimistic after the speech, but others were cautious. The former foreign minister of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, said the speech was no departure from the general position but simply delivered more politely.

# And, cricket: A sensational 86 not out from Protea captain Aiden Markram took South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in their third T20 World Cup match in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Man of the Match Marco Jansen claimed 4 for 40 and helped restrict New Zealand to a modest total of 175 for seven. The Proteas romped to 178 for three with 17 balls to spare.  South Africa have now qualified for the Super Eight stage of the competition ahead of their final group match against the UAE on Wednesday.

Stay tuned for more news………….