News 08:00

BULLETIN 31 May 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Presidency rules out the extension of the Madlanga Commission  due to cost
# Minister Steenhuisen emphasises a push for stronger regional food security
# And the Bulls and the  Stormers both advance to the semifinals of the United Rugby Championship

# The Presidency has revealed that there are no plans to extend the Madlanga Commission beyond its current deadline due to cost. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told Newzroom Afrika that president Cyril Ramaphosa is satisfied with the commission’s progress and the action taken against implicated individuals. The commission submitted its second interim report on Friday, with the final report due at the end of August. The commission resumes tomorrow:

# The MK Party National Assembly Chief Whip, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi is expected to make representations next week following her arrest on fraud charges. Mokoena-Zondi appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on charges relate to alleged 233-thousand-rand deducted from parliamentary staff salaries to fund legal costs for party leader Jacob Zuma. She was released on 30-thousand-rand bail. The party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu told SABC News that internal consultations are underway:

# Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen has called for stronger regional cooperation to improve food security and agricultural resilience across Southern Africa. Speaking at a SADC ministers’ meeting in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Steenhuisen warned that 58-million people in the region still face acute food insecurity despite improved harvests. The meeting focused on boosting agricultural production, climate resilience, fisheries development and sustainable economic growth across the region. He urged faster harmonisation of fertiliser regulations and stronger action against Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks.

# Acting KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Phumelele Makoba says law enforcement is on high alert ahead of the June 30 immigration protest. Makoba warned that road blockades, public violence, vigilantism and property destruction will not be tolerated, with police ready to act decisively. She cautioned members of the public against conducting unlawful identity checks stressing that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of police and the Department of Home Affairs:

# Rugby: The Bulls and Stormers advanced to the United Rugby Championship semifinals yesterday, while the Lions exited the tournament. In Pretoria, the Bulls overpowered Munster 45-14. Simultaneously, the Stormers sailed past Cardiff 44-21 in Cape Town. However, the Lions suffered a heavy 59-10 defeat against Leinster in Dublin. Both the Bulls and Stormers have away games in next Saturday’s semi-finals. The Stormers face a rematch with Leinster in Ireland, and the Bulls will battle the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland.

# And finally soccer: Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have hit a snag after visa delays forced the team to postpone its departure to Mexico. Reports indicate that several players await clearance, due to administrative challenges, resulting in the postponement of the squad’s scheduled flight from OR Tambo International Airport. The South African Football Association is urgently working to resolve the issue. South Africa are expected to play Jamaica in a pre-World Cup friendly before opening their campaign against tournament co-hosts Mexico on June 11.

Stay tuned for more news………….