News 09:00

BULLETIN 9 February 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# SACCUSA is confident South Africa will host the G20 amid challenges
# Cricket: MI Cape Town crush Sunrisers to clinch their first SA20 title
# And Namibia’s founding president dies in Windhoek

# The South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA has expressed confidence in South Africa hosting the G20 summit, despite geopolitical tensions and domestic challenges. It aims to advance global equity, Africa’s development agenda, and collaboration. Key priorities include climate action, leveraging critical minerals to boost growth and international partnerships. SACCUSA president Niel Diamond has called for constructive dialogue between the US and South Africa:

According to Diamond, the US’ absence at the G20 is a chance for South Africa to show its geopolitical relevance in Africa. US secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced he will not attend, and highlighted disputes over the Expropriation Act. Diamond told eNCA his absence is an opportunity for South Africa to emphasise the importance of multilateral diplomacy:

# ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has criticised U.S president Donald Trump’s executive order targeting South Africa. Mashaba asserts that Trump has no authority to dictate South Africa’s policies or negotiate for South Africans. The order cites South Africa’s land expropriation policies and alleged human rights issues. Mashaba questioned the accuracy of Trump’s claims, suggesting they stem from misinformation. He added that those feeling discriminated against could explore Trump’s resettlement offer, but emphasised the country’s sovereignty in addressing its internal challenges.

# Cricket: A sensational performance took MI Cape Town to the SA20 title as they denied two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape a third go at the trophy at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. MI Cape Town showed why they were the most dominant team in the third season of the competition as they claimed a comprehensive 76-run victory to become only the second team to win the coveted trophy. The Cape Town side got to 181 for 8 in their innings, while their bowlers then put in a brilliant showing to get rid of the Sunrisers for 105.

# And finally: Namibia’s founding president Sam Nujoma has died in a Windhoek hospital. The announcement was made by president Nangolo Mbumba. Nujoma was 95 and led Namibia’s liberation struggle as the leader of Swapo between 1960 and 1989, becoming the country’s first president in 1990. He served as head of state until 2005. Nujoma rose from a modest childhood herding cattle at a village in northern Namibia to leading the country’s struggle for independence. He is considered the key architect of Namibia’s independence. He leaves behind his 91-year-old wife, Kovambo.

Stay tuned for more news………….