News 09:00

BULLETIN 9 November 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# John Steenhuisen and president Ramaphosa discussed potential changes to the DA’s Cabinet positions
# A retired EMPD deputy chief warns the Madlanga commission that blue lights in private hands fuel crime
# And tennis,  Sabalenka outlasts Anisimova, books a WTA Finals title clash with Rybakina

# Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has confirmed that president Cyril Ramaphosa and DA leader John Steenhuisen have been in discussions over potential changes to the DA’s Cabinet positions. News24 reports that Steenhuisen wants the minister of the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Dion George, to be replaced by party spokesperson Willie Aucamp. Steenhuisen also wants DA MP Alex Abrahams to be appointed as new deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, replacing Andrew Whitfield who was fired by Ramaphosa earlier this year. Magwenya declined to comment further, saying an announcement will be made when the time is ready.

# Retired Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Revo Spies says blue lights in private hands are dangerous, as criminals can impersonate police. Testifying at the Madlanga commission in Pretoria, Spies revealed that News24 exposed vehicles linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, illegally registered as EMPD cars. He warns that blue lights put both police and the public at risk and should only be used by law enforcement:

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse says recent attacks at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape may be linked to attempts to sabotage ongoing anti-corruption efforts at the institution. The attacks destroyed millions of rands of investment, including a new student clinic and laboratories. Over 50 organisations and more than 100 individuals have united to defend the historic university, calling for a full investigation, dialogue, and support for ongoing anti-corruption efforts.

# The City of Cape Town has appointed its first chief heat officer as the city faces rising temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events. The city’s resilience and climate change manager, Albert Ferreira, will lead awareness campaigns and guide heat-related interventions, especially in vulnerable communities. Ferreira urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid peak heat hours, and look out for those most at risk as climate impacts intensify:

# Rugby: Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton will lead the South African under-19 Academy team against the hosts in Châteauroux, France, this afternoon. The visitors’ starting team also includes Junior Boks Oliver Reid, Siphosethu Mnebelele and Vusi Moyo. The two teams agreed their squads will consist of 26 players to give more players game time. Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote expects a special match before the anticipated blockbuster between the two countries’ senior teams at the Stade de France in Paris tonight.  

# And tennis: World number one Aryna Sabalenka overcame Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a fierice battle yesterday to book a WTA Finals title showdown with Elena Rybakina. Both players are eyeing their first Billie Jean King trophy. Today’s clash will pit the two unbeaten players from the tournament, with 2022 finalist Sabalenka holding the edge thanks to her 8-5 head-to-head record against Rybakina including a win when they met in the Australian Open final two years ago.

Stay tuned for more news………….