News 09:00

BULLETIN 27 April 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa leads the national Freedom Day commemoration in Bloemfontein
# Soccer: Pirates stay on top after a Soweto Derby draw but Sundowns drop points
# And minister Malatsi withdraws the A-I policy over a fake references scandal

# President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the national Freedom Day commemoration in Mangaung in the Free State today, marking 32 years since South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. The event is held under the theme “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship.” It reflects on the country’s constitutional journey and key milestones, including 30 years of the Constitution and historic liberation struggles. Government, civil society and communities will gather to honour democracy, promote constitutional values, and encourage active citizenship, especially among young people.

Meanwhile, Forum for South Africa says Freedom Day must go beyond celebration and reflect the gap between the promises of 1994 and current realities. The party says political freedom has been achieved, but unemployment, poverty, inequality, crime and corruption remain widespread. Spokesperson Tebogo Mashilompane calls for urgent action to strengthen institutions, improve accountability and ensure economic justice so freedom can also deliver dignity:

# The Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture has backed Eskom’s call to fast-track electricity tariff relief for the struggling ferrochrome sector. The proposal is under review by energy regulator NERSA. The venture says delays threaten jobs and operations, with some smelters already idle. It warns regulatory certainty is urgently needed before mid-May to avoid further job losses and ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability.

# Soccer: Orlando Pirates remain top of the Premiership after a hard-fought 1-all draw against Kaizer Chiefs at a sold-out Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium. Mamelodi Sundowns missed a chance to go top after a goalless draw with Richards Bay in uMhlathuze Stadium, KwaZulu-Natal. Pirates sit on 59 points, with Sundowns second on 58. Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the title race tightens with only a few games remaining this season:

# And finally: Communications and Digital Technologies minister Solly Malatsi has withdrawn South Africa’s draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy after it was found to contain fictitious academic sources. The department confirmed the issue following reports from News24 that some references were likely A-I-generated and unverified. Malatsi says the lapse has compromised the policy’s credibility, and promises consequence management. He stresses the need for stronger oversight as government works to revise and restore confidence in the policy.

Stay tuned for more news………….