News 09:00

BULLETIN 22 June 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The corruption-accused Zizi Kodwa will be sworn in at the same time as the MK Party’s MPs
# A High Court dismisses Mkhwebane’s application against her successor
# And, rugby: Steyn says the Bulls remind him of the Super Rugby glory days

# Former Sports, Arts and Culture minister, Zizi Kodwa, will be sworn in as a member of Parliament next week by speaker Thoko Didiza. He will be sworn in with MPs of the MK Party who also missed the first sitting. Despite resigning due to corruption allegations, Kodwa will serve as a backbencher. His absence at the initial swearing-in sparked speculation, but he confirmed registering as an MP last week. Facing charges of accepting 1.6-million-rand bribes from a state supplier, Kodwa appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng this month and was granted bail of 30-thousand-rand.

# The High Court in Pretoria has set aside with costs former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s application to jail her successor, Kholeka Gcaleka, for alleged contempt. Judge Nicoline Janse van Nieuwenhuizen ruled the application is irregular and criticised Mkhwebane’s defamatory allegations. The judge disagreed with Mkhwebane’s right to push for imprisonment as part of her campaign for a ten-million-rand gratuity. Mkhwebane has ten-days to file an amended notice if she wishes to proceed.

# The South African National Aids Council is concerned about the slow pace of addressing HIV infections in children. South Africa, alongside eleven other countries, is a signatory to the Global Alliance aiming to end the pandemic in children by 2030. Sanac reports an estimated 50-thousand new HIV infections among children and adolescents annually in South Africa. The Council’s Nkhensani Nkhwashu says without community participation, it will be difficult to put an end to HIV infections:

# Lesotho’s minister of Labour and Employment, Tšeliso Mokhosi, has launched a multi-million dollar project to improve occupational safety and health in the kingdom’s informal economy. Mokhosi says the initiative aims to address low compliance with labour laws and to create a safer work environment. He adds the project seeks to ensure labour sector stability and promote awareness of labour rights among employees and employers:

# And, rugby: Former Springbok and Bulls flyhalf Morné Steyn says the current Bulls team reminds him of their team in the glory days of 2007 to 2010 when he was part of a hat-trick of Super Rugby titles. Steyn says he’d love nothing more than to see the union add a United Rugby Championship trophy to its list of silverware today. The Bulls face Glasgow Warriors at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria in front of a capacity crowd. Steyn says the crowd will definitely play a huge part. Kick-off is at 6pm.

Stay tuned for more news………….