News 09:00

BULLETIN 17 May 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa seeks leave to appeal a judgment on the National Health Insurance Act to be reviewed
# The Public Servants Association urges government to insource services to fight corruption and cut costs
# And, the Gauteng Department of Health urges the public to get blood pressure screenings

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has applied to the Gauteng High Court for leave to appeal a ruling declaring his signing of the NHI Act reviewable. The court had ordered him to submit decision records to the Board of Healthcare Funders within ten days. Ramaphosa argues the ruling overlooked presidential discretion and plans to petition the Constitutional Court by 27 May. Meanwhile, the BHF is launching two more legal challenges against the NHI Act and its public participation process.

# The Public Servants Association says government departments must insource services like cleaning, security, school nutrition, and stationery procurement to curb corruption and reduce wasteful spending. This follows a report showing that 37-percent of senior executives assessed by the Special Investigating Unit are involved in dodgy state deals. The PSA’s Claude Naiker criticised the lack of protection for whistleblowers and called for stronger anti-corruption measures:

# KwaZulu-Natal police have launched a manhunt after eight people were shot dead at Zama informal settlement in Umlazi’s U Section last night. Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says the victims, six men and two women aged 22 to 40, were found with multiple gunshot wounds. Netshiunda say unknown suspects stormed a dwelling and opened fire. He confirmed that investigations continue as the motive is still unknown:

# The Gauteng Department of Health is urging residents to visit healthcare facilities for free blood pressure screenings on World Hypertension Day. Under the theme Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer, the department highlights that hypertension, known as the silent killer, often goes undetected. Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba says regular screening, treatment, and lifestyle changes can prevent severe complications like strokes and heart attacks:

# Rugby: Winger Edwill van der Merwe and centre Marius Louw will play for the Lions for the final time in today’s United Rugby Championship match against Ospreys in Johannesburg. Van der Merwe will move to the Sharks next season, while Louw will play for Sale Sharks in England. Promising young flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela will wear the number 10 jersey for the first time. The Lions failed to survive the league phase of the competition yet again after winning only seven of their 17 matches.

# And finally, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is commemorating the World Health Organisation’s decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder, 35 years on. Today, on 17th May, policymakers, media, and the public are urged to fight violence and discrimination against LGBTQ persons. Running under the theme “The Power of Communities,” it seeks to highlights the vital role of collective action in building inclusive, diverse societies that uphold equity and dignity for all.

Stay tuned for more news………….