News 09:00

BULLETIN 18 October 9 am/pm

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The reconstruction of Parliament’s fire-damaged buildings is delayed to June 2027
# Hellen Zille vows a Madlanga Commission version of a corruption inquiry if she is elected as mayor
# And cricket: Kagiso Rabada returns as the Proteas seek revenge over Australia

# The reconstruction of Parliament’s fire-damaged buildings has been delayed, with the National Assembly and Old Assembly projects expected to be completed in June 2027. The Auditor-General’s office has identified weaknesses in financial controls and coordination between finance and project teams. An official in the Auditor-General’s office, Thomas Mamogwe says unforeseen site conditions contributed to delays and contractor claims. Mamogwe recommends closer monitoring of construction schedules, contractor performance and recovery measures to ensure the projects remain on track and public funds are properly managed.

# DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille has vowed to launch a Madlanga Commission-styled independent inquiry into corruption in the city if the party wins power. Addressing delegates in Nasrec, Gauteng, amid her Now or Never campaign, Zille said the investigation would follow a model similar to the Madlanga Commission, with public hearings and findings made available to the public. She also wants major city contracts scrutinised to strengthen accountability:

Meanwhile, Al Jama-ah has put service delivery and economic development at the centre of its local government election manifesto, launched in Soweto. The party’s mayoral candidate in Johannesburg Ashley Mama says he wants to fix failing municipal services. Priorities include improving access to water, electricity, land and housing. Mama says partnerships with business and national government can boost job creation and local businesses, while community safety remain important amid migration challenges:

# Pope Leo the Fourteenth has returned to the Vatican, four days after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff walked unaided from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday and greeted patients and well-wishers. Doctors say his recovery is progressing well and that he is fit to resume normal daily activities. They have not yet confirmed whether the cancer has spread or whether further treatment will be needed. The Pope is expected to lead today’s prayers from his apartment overlooking Saint Peter’s Square.

# Rugby: The Stormers have opened their Champions Cup campaign with a convincing 49-12 victory over Bristol Bears in Cape Town. The hosts scored seven tries, with Leolin Zas and centre Jonny Roche each crossing twice. Seabelo Senatla, Warrick Gelant and André-Hugo Venter also scored, while fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted all seven tries. The Stormers had to cope with a 20-minute red card for hooker JJ Kotze and a yellow card for Zas, leaving them temporarily down to 13 players. Despite this they still finished strongly to secure a try-scoring bonus point.

# And, cricket: South Africa will look to bounce back against Australia in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, starting at 10 this morning. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is available again after recovering from a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the first Test, which Australia won by 214 runs. Captain Temba Bavuma says Rabada’s return will boost the attack, but the Proteas need to improve in all departments, especially batting. South Africa have also brought in batter Matthew Breetzke, while Ryan Rickelton is set to take over the wicketkeeping duties.

Stay tuned for more news………….