News 09:00

BULLETIN 5 October 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# International Relations welcomes developments toward a Gaza ceasefire
# Ambassador Mthethwa’s death certificate is issued
# And rugby: Bulls overcome Leinster in URC thriller

# The International Relations and Cooperation Department has welcomed recent developments aimed at achieving a ceasefire and peace in Gaza. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri says Hamas’s decision to release Israeli hostages and engage further must be met with reciprocal action from Israel. He says lasting peace requires the release of Palestinian prisoners and an end to confrontation, urging a permanent ceasefire and a political process recognizing Palestinian statehood:

# South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa’s family spokesperson, former deputy minister Sfiso Buthelezi, has confirmed receipt of his death certificate, allowing plans for repatriation. Mthethwa was found dead outside a Paris hotel earlier this week. Buthelezi says his remains have yet to be released pending a post-mortem report by Tuesday. He confirmed to Newzroom Afrika that a cultural ritual of fetching Mthethwa’s body has to be done:

# The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation has raised alarm over South Africa’s broken parole system, and referred to 18-thousand-and-52 parolees who reoffended in three years, including 493 murders and 624 rapes. Secretary-General Thandi Nontenja urges decisive reform prioritising victim safety, accountability, and offender rehabilitation. She stresses that parole boards must act transparently, involve victims, and ensure only genuinely rehabilitated offenders are released:

# Munich Airport in Germany briefly delayed the relaunch of flight operations yesterday due to drone sightings, after previous sightings earlier halted all traffic at the airport for several hours. Around 6-thousand-500 passengers were affected by the latest temporary shutdown, with 23 diverted flights plus 58 cancellations and delays. Munich is currently hosting its famed Oktoberfest beer festival, which draws millions of visitors from Germany and abroad. The airport closures came ahead of the festival finale today. Europe is on edge due to repeated drone sightings over civilian and military airports in Denmark, Germany, and Norway.

# Sports news:

# Rugby: The Bulls delivered high drama for the home fans in Pretoria on Saturday, securing a thrilling 39-31 bonus-point victory over defending champions Leinster in Round Two of the United Rugby Championship. The hosts survived a fierce second-half comeback from the Irish, who rallied from a 22-10 deficit to briefly take the lead. However, late tries, including a crucial intercept score, ensured the Bulls clinched the win at Loftus Versfeld, making it two defeats from two starts for Leinster. Earlier in Cape Town, the Stormers beat the Welsh Ospreys by 26- 10.

# And soccer: The Carling Knockout Round of 16 delivered high drama on Saturday as several top sides battled for quarter-final spots. Orlando Pirates clinched a tense 1-0 victory against a resilient Siwelele FC, with defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi scoring a stunning 87th-minute winner at Orlando Stadium. Meanwhile, Golden Arrows staged an impressive second-half comeback to overwhelm Sekhukhune United, securing their passage with a commanding 3-1 win. TS Galaxy also advanced, requiring extra time and a 109th-minute strike from Mehdi Ouamri to edge past Orbit College FC 1-0.

Stay tuned for more news………….