News 09:00

BULLETIN 16 June 9 am 

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Fikile Mbalula says the ANC is not in a grand coalition
# Disciplinary action against Jacob Zuma is set to continue
# And, golf: Bryson DeChambeau takes big lead into US Open final day

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the party not in a grand coalition, but a government of national unity. He stresses the DA is part and parcel of the government of national unity. Mabalula says what is also worth noting is that president Cyril Ramaphosa was not only voted in by two or three parties in Parliament, but also by those who call themselves a progressive block:

In another development Mbalula has confirmed the party’s disciplinary action against former president Jacob Zuma will continue. Mbalula briefed the media in Cape Town after the first sitting of the National Council of Provinces. Zuma was expected to face a disciplinary hearing in May for contravening party rules with the forming of the MK Party. But reports say it was postponed due to security concerns and fears of violence before the elections.

# The founder of the international think tank Institute for Economics and Peace, Steve Killelea, emphasises the urgency for governments and businesses to resolve minor conflicts before they escalate. The Global Peace Index reveals 97 countries experienced a decline in peace in 2023. Conflict-related deaths reached 162-thousand last year, with Ukraine and Gaza being major hotspots. Killelea says the violence poses significant risks to global supply chains:

Meanwhile, Israel’s military has confirmed eight soldiers were killed in southern Gaza in the deadliest attack on the forces in months. According to Associated Press, the deaths will likely fuel calls for a cease-fire and heighten Israeli public anger over ultra-Orthodox exemptions from the military. In January, 21 Israeli troops were killed in an attack by militants. Palestinian health officials say Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza have killed more than 37-thousand Palestinians, but they don’t give a breakdown of civilians and fighters.

# And, golf: Bryson DeChambeau has fired 67 and moved to a three-stroke lead at the US Open after three rounds at Pinehurst. The American is the first golfer to ever break 70 in the first three rounds of the tournament. Another American, Patrick Cantlay, who carded 70, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy with a 69 and France’s Matthieu Pavon, also with 69, are all three strokes back. DeChambeau will try to secure his second US Open today.

Stay tuned for more news………….