News 09:00

BULLETIN 24 February 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# DA leader John Steenhuisen denies cadre deployment allegations
# Extradition process is under way for more suspects in the Phala Phala theft
# And, rugby: The Blitzboks gain some and lose some in Vancouver

# DA leader John Steenhuisen has denied allegations made by former DA Gauteng leader and Xiluva party founder Bongani Baloyi regarding the practice of cadre deployment in the party. Baloyi claims senior municipal appointments required approval from the DA federal executive committee, a practice Steenhuisen has refuted:

# The accused in the Phala Phala case must return to the Bela Bela Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo in April after the court was informed an extradition process was underway for additional suspects in the theft of over ten-million-rand from president Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm. Three accused, former cleaner at the farm Froliana Joseph, her brother David and alleged mastermind Imanuwela David, appeared before the court yesterday. State prosecutor Nkhetheni Munyai requested a postponement to finalise outstanding investigations.

# The Pan African Liquor Traders Alliance has denounced the ruling against Enyobeni Tavern owners, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, who were fined five-thousand-rand each or 100 days in prison for selling alcohol to minors. The Alliance’s Lucky Ntimane has criticised the sentence as too lenient, expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of the case:

# Cocoa prices have surged by 65-percent in a year, posing challenges for chocolate lovers globally. Production setbacks in West Africa, the source of 70-percent of cocoa, alongside rising sugar costs, contribute to the price hike. Despite this, research indicates consumers may switch brands or opt for smaller portions but will continue indulging in chocolate. South Africans, facing inflation and economic challenges, maintain a resilient appetite for chocolate, according to Mondelēz International’s State of Snacking report.

# And, rugby: The Blitzboks got their Vancouver Tournament off to a good start when they beat New Zealand 21-12 early this morning local time. Captain Selvyn Davids scored his team’s first try in the clash in Group C, and shortly before half-time he scored again. Tristan Leyds scored the third try early in the second half. However, the South Africans got bogged down in their showdown against Great Britain and lost 17-12. The South African Women’s team also bowed out against Ireland and lost 28-7.

Stay tuned for more news………….