News 09:00

BULLETIN 12 April 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deputy minister Morolong says government is committed to ensure an inclusive media landscape in SA
# COSATU calls for a renewal of the global solidarity movement for democracy in Eswatini
# And cricket, De Kock helps Kolkata thrash Chennai

# Deputy minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong says the government remains committed to working alongside industry stakeholders to ensure that South Africa’s media landscape is inclusive, competitive, and representative of the country’s diversity. He engaged with the CEO’s of the media industry who form part of the print and digital media Transformation and Revitalization Steering Committee in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Morolong says they must commit to meaningful transformation and long-term sustainability in the media industry to ensure that the voices of all South Africans are reflected:

# Cosatu says it joins millions of workers and people all over the world in calling for democracy in Eswatini. This in particularly on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the 1973 Kings decree which criminalised all forms of political activity and officially banned political parties in the country. Cosatu’s spokesperson, Zanele Sabela says the federation commemorates April 12 as the day on which the Swazi people’s voice was crushed by the monarchy and vested all power to himself in the now infamous 1973 Kings decree:

# Government will not be held responsible for property damage suffered by residents who had built structures too close to the Bloemhof Dam. The dam is currently at 110-percent full, amid severe flooding downstream. Water and Sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina warned residents living along the floodline to evacuate. Majodina dismissed claims of mismanagement, saying sluice gates were opened within safety guidelines. With more rain expected, five radial gates remain open. She assured the public that the dam is under control but encouraged evacuation for safety.

# Cricket: The Kolkata Knight Riders thrashed the Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets to regain their winning momentum in the IPL last night. Sunil Narine picked up three wickets with his off-spin bowling before hitting 44 off 18 balls with the help of five sixes and two fours as Kolkata mauled a below-par Chennai 103 for 9 with 59 balls to spare. Openers Quinton de Kock and Narine gave Kolkata a flying start, reaching the winning score of 102 for 2 in 10 overs.

# And motorsport: McLaren’s Australian driver, Oscar Piastri, believes their cars will stay competitive despite a rule change coming into force in June, and the team will stay strong throughout the season. Governing body, the F-I-A has introduced more stringent front wing load tests, coming into effect during the Spanish Grand Prix. This will reduce the permitted level of flex following a similar clampdown on rear wings. Piastri, who won the Chinese Grand Prix, doubts the change will disrupt McLaren’s current momentum.

Stay tuned for more news………….