News 09:00

BULLETIN 22 February 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A pro-Palestine mass rally is being held at Sea Point rejecting Trump’s stance on Palestinians in Gaza
# The Agriculture minister reiterates foot and mouth disease is not a threat to humans
# And soccer: Banyana Banyana are set for Lesotho friendlies ahead of WAFCON

# A pro-Palestine mass rally is taking place today, at Sea Point, near the Mandela Glasses. This comes in response to US president Donald Trump’s plans to force Palestinians out of Gaza. Palestinian Solidarity Campaign’s Martin Jansen emphasised that the struggle is intensifying. The rally will feature anti-apartheid activist, Frank Chikane, to provide a leadership report on the Public Service Commission’s ongoing efforts for Palestine solidarity.

# Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen has reassured the public that the foot and mouth disease spreading in KwaZulu-Natal does not affect humans and is unrelated to the virus impacting schools. Speaking to the media, Steenhuisen confirmed that red meat remains safe to eat but stresses the urgency of controlling the outbreak, as it threatens South Africa’s export potential, particularly in Asian markets:

# The UDM has welcomed Johannesburg’s Inner City Revitalisation Programme, launched by mayor Dada Morero. The initiative aims to tackle urban decay, improve infrastructure, and restore order. The UDM’s Yongama Zigebe stressed the need for a long-term strategy beyond short-term clean-up efforts. Zigebe urges investments in housing, infrastructure, law enforcement, and waste management to ensure lasting transformation. He calls for a permanent task team to oversee continuous urban renewal efforts.

# Russian president Vladimir Putin will not attend the 2025 G20 summit in South Africa, as previously anticipated. The decision follows a pending arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes. South Africa, a signatory of the ICC’s Rome Statute, maintains neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war but continues ties with Moscow. Putin previously skipped the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg due to similar legal concerns. The ICC accuses him of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children, stating there are reasonable grounds for his individual criminal responsibility.

# Soccer: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, Banyana Banyana, will face Lesotho in two international friendlies in Johannesburg this month. The matches, set for today and Tuesday, is part of a nine-day training camp ahead of WAFCON 2025. Coach Desiree Ellis aims to win the matches while fine-tuning preparations for the tournament in Morocco from 5 to 26 July:

Stay tuned for more news………….