News 09:00

BULLETIN 15 September 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Mashatile recovers after collapsing at an event in Limpopo
# Ramaphosa orders an SIU investigation into Transnet, including Siyabonga Gama’s reinstatement
# And, motorsport: Leclerc on pole in Azerbaijan as Norris is relegated to 16th

# The Presidency has confirmed that deputy president Paul Mashatile is recovering after collapsing yesterday during the N’wamitwa Day celebrations in Limpopo’s Greater Tzaneen. Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba explained that Mashatile felt lightheaded due to the heat while delivering his keynote address. Presidential spokesperson Keith Khoza assured the public that there is no cause for concern:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit to probe serious maladministration at Transnet. This includes Siyabonga Gama’s reinstatement and related expenses. The SIU will also investigate a security services contract with Abalozi Security. Additionally, the SIU will investigate maladministration in Gauteng’s human settlements, Umzumbe, and Masilonyana municipalities. The aim is to uncover corruption, fraud, and systemic failures, and recover financial losses for the state.

# The Black Entrepreneur’s Alliance has called for financial aid to black-owned businesses. CEO Refilwe Monageng, told the SABC, that growing extortion in townships and rural areas is affecting business owners. Monageng has called for policies that promote black economic empowerment, such as tax incentives. He also stressed the importance of the aggregation of tenders leading to job creation:

# Moscow and Kyiv swapped 103 prisoners of war each yesterday in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates. This happened as Russia pushes ahead in east Ukraine. The Russians released in the exchange were captured during Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region. Some of the Ukrainians freed had been held prisoner since Moscow seized the Azovstal steel plant in May 2022. It was the UAE’s eighth such mediation between the two warring countries.

# And, motorsport: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is on pole for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for the fourth year in a row. McLaren’s Lando Norris suffered a huge blow after he was knocked out in the first stage of qualifying in Baku. He will start in 16th position this afternoon. Norris’ title rival Max Verstappen could only manage the sixth fastest time as Red Bull continued to struggle for pace. Oscar Piastri for McLaren starts behind Leclerc in second place, ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in third.

Stay tuned for more news………….