News 09:00

BULLETIN 19 May 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The MK party launches its manifesto at Orlando Stadium
# The IEC extends the voting hours in London
# And, rugby: The Bulls score plenty in a URC thriller, a try blitz keeps the Lions alive

# The uMkhonto we Sizwe party launched its election manifesto yesterday at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Thousands of supporters called for party leader Jacob Zuma’s return to power, believing he has unfinished business. The party aims to revitalise the economy, enhance social justice and nationalise key sectors. Secretary-general Sihle Ngubane dismissed allegations of the party being Zulu nationalist:

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has reminded South Africans of extended voting hours in London to nine o’clock tonight at South Africa House, Trafalgar Square. This comes as some expats complain some communication from the IEC is not clear. In addition, deputy high commissioner to the UK, Dineo Mathlako, noted 100 voters cast their votes on Friday following dates confusion. The UK is among 102 countries where South African expats are voting this weekend. London, South Africa’s largest voting station abroad, has a special two-day voting concession. Overseas voting concludes tomorrow.

# Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza has condemned what she calls Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s false statements about the Ingonyama Trust, accusing him of misleading the KZN community. Didiza emphasised the trust’s legal framework, which designates Isilo as the land trustee. She calls Buthelezi’s remarks inappropriate and urged scrutiny of such misleading messages. Didiza reaffirmed her commitment to the trust’s governance and cooperation with traditional leaders, and expressed her willingness to engage with all stakeholders.

# Rugby: Springbok Canan Moodie scored a hat-trick in the Bulls’ nine tries to smash Benetton 56-35 in a 14-try United Rugby Championship thriller at Loftus Versfeld yesterday. The Bulls raced to their bonus point in the first half hour and then allowed Benetton to steal a bonus point in the second half that could do wonders for their campaign to qualify for the top eight. In another clash, the Lions produced a second-half scoring blitz that secured them an emphatic 44-21 win over Glasgow Warriors in their United Rugby Championship match in Johannesburg.

# And, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has called for prayers for the families of eleven fishermen still missing at sea after a trawler capsised off the coast on Friday. The National Sea Rescue Institute and other rescue services continue to search for the missing fishermen. The NSRI confirmed nine fishermen were rescued uninjured. Hill-Lewis says the city will continue to offer support and hopes for a safe recovery:

Stay tuned for more news………….