News 09:00

BULLETIN 20 April 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa reiterates the call for restraint in the Israel-Iran conflict
# A ‘bombing’ hits an Iraq military base
# And, cricket: De Kock and Rahul help Lucknow thump Chennai

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated calls on Iran and Israel to desist from escalating conflict. Speaking to the media during an electoral campaign in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa cautioned against escalation, warning of regional warfare. Ramaphosa recalled prior alerts on the Israel-Hamas war’s ripple effects. He stresses the need for cautious handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict to prevent broader Middle East conflict:

# Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu will speak at the EMPOWAMEN Summit in Johannesburg, Gauteng today. The summit convenes three thousand men to confront toxic masculinity, break stereotypes, and redefine manhood. Department spokesperson Lumka Oliphant says that summit also aims to empower men to combat gender-based violence and femicide and strengthen families. She underscores the department’s commitment to supporting families, particularly those facing financial and social challenges:

# Several people were wounded early this morning in a “bombing” on an Iraqi military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups. The explosion hit the Calso military base south of Baghdad, where Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, or Hashed al-Shaabi, is stationed. An interior ministry source and a military official told AFP the “aerial bombing” killed one person and wounded eight others, but would not identify who was responsible. Shortly after the explosion, the US military said its forces were nót behind a reported strike in Iraq.

# Cricket: An opening stand of 134 laid the platform for the Lucknow Super Giants to make light work of chasing down Chennai Super Kings’ total of 176 for six to win by eight wickets in their IPL match in Lucknow last night. Quinton de Kock got 54 off 43 balls, and captain KL Rahul scored 82 off 53, sharing 14 fours and four sixes between them. Nicholas Pooran with 23 and Marcus Stoinis on eight completed the job with a comfortable six balls to spare.

# And, finally: Eight of former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher’s special watches are expected to fetch over 90-million-rand in total at an auction in Switzerland next month. The luxury, personalised watches will be exhibited in New York from 3 to 5 May before the Christie’s auction in Geneva on the 13th. Schumacher’s family believes watch collectors would be able to appreciate their true value. The German racing driver won seven world titles before sustaining a head injury in a skiing accident in 2013, whereafter he disappeared from public life.

Stay tuned for more news………….