News 09:00

BULLETIN 9 August 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa sends condolences to Ghana after a fatal helicopter crash
# The MK Party condemns the government of national unity for economic failure and corruption
# And rugby: The Griquas outshine Western Province with a bonus point victory

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed condolences to Ghana’s president John Dramani Mahama after a helicopter crash killed eight people, including Defence minister, Edward Omane Boamah and Environment minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says South Africa’s thoughts are with the bereaved families, and expresses solidarity with Ghana as it mourns this tragic loss:

# The MK Party condemns the government of national unity for economic failure, corruption, and poor governance, calling the coalition dysfunctional and a betrayal of the people. The party also criticised the government for failing to respond to the 30-percent US tariff, seen as punishment for South Africa’s foreign policy. MK Party’s national chairperson, Nathi Nhleko, called for radical change to address these challenges and restore economic justice:

Meanwhile, the union federation Saftu says government leaders have failed to protect South Africa’s sovereignty in the face of rising US pressure. This follows the 30-percent tariff hike imposed by the US on South African goods. The union accuses president Cyril Ramaphosa of giving in to US interests, especially by supporting fossil fuel imports. Saftu’s Asive Dyani calls for stronger trade ties with the Global South and mass mobilisation to resist foreign economic control:

# The Department of Water and Sanitation will maintain high water levels in the Vaal Dam until summer, amid forecasts of normal to below-normal rainfall in central South Africa. The dam currently sits at 106.3-percent capacity. The department says this proactive measure ensures water security for Gauteng and the Free State. Other key reservoirs like Bloemhof and Sterkfontein also remain above 99-percent. Despite the abundance, authorities urge the public to use water responsibly due to climate change impacts.

# Finally, sports news

# Rugby: Griquas convincingly beat a rather listless Western Province in their 3rd round Currie Cup encounter in Kimberley yesterday and also earned a bonus point. The Griquas dominated the game from the start, beating Western Province by 47- 17 after leading at half-time by 21-7, and scored seven tries. This is Western Province’s second defeat in the Currie Cup, after having lost against the Lions last weekend, while Griquas remain undefeated with two wins. This afternoon, the log-leading Bulls take on the Pumas at Loftus, and the Sharks are hosting the Cheetahs in Durban.

# And tennis: World number one Jannik Sinner gets the defence of his Cincinnati Open title going against world number 107, Daniel Galán of Colombia, today. This is the Italian’s first tournament since winning Wimbledon. Second-seeded Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who lost to Sinner in Wimbledon’s final, also plays in the round of 64 today. Both had a bye in the first round. The tournament is used as preparation for the final Grand Slam tournament of the year, the US Open, starting in New York on the 24th.

Stay tuned for more news………….