News 11:00

BULLETIN 4 October 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Hlabisa says preparations for the elections are on track
# President Cyril Ramaphosa attends the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Egypt
# And soccer: Bafana Bafana face Egypt in an international friendly in Cairo

# Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Velenkosini Hlabisa says preparations for the November 4 local government elections remain on track, with four weeks to go. He says the remaining period is critical, with government coordinating departments to ensure a peaceful and credible poll. He says that the South African Weather Service is also providing forecasts, as voting coincides with the summer rainfall season and a developing El Niño:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Egypt to attend the eighth African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting as SADC Chairperson. The meeting takes place today in El-Alamein, bringing together African leaders and regional economic communities. Discussions focus on continental integration, implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, infrastructure, water and sanitation, and conflict prevention. Ramaphosa will also hold bilateral talks with counterparts on African issues.

# Higher Education and Training minister Buti Manamela says he will strengthen oversight following recommendations from the Auditor-General’s office. The recommendations include closer scrutiny of departmental management, governance, appointments, skills funding and learner outcomes. The Minister says corrective action must begin when weaknesses are identified, rather than before the next audit. He has also called for greater scrutiny of the Construction Education and Training Authority, Northern Cape Urban TVET College and university legal expenditure. The minister says accountability must apply across all levels of management.

# The ANC Women’s League, faith-based organisations, political parties and other stakeholders are holding a National Prayer and Memorial Service for women killed through gender-based violence and femicide in Ekurhuleni. The league’s secretary-general, Nokuthula Nqaba, says the gathering follows calls for a coordinated national response to gender-based violence and femicide. She says the service honour victims and demonstrate solidarity across political, religious and community lines in the fight against this pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Motor Industry Staff Association is warning parents about the growing threat of online sexual abuse targeting children. The National Centre for Child Protection says predators can build trust with children through social media and messaging apps. MISA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola is urging parents to monitor online activity and maintain open, meaningful conversations with their children. She also urged parents to look out for warning signs including behavioural changes in children:

# And lastly soccer: Bafana Bafana face Egypt in an international friendly in Cairo tonight. Pitso Mosimane’s side began his second spell as coach with wins over Guinea and Eritrea, scoring seven goals. Egypt also come off a five-nil victory over South Sudan, with Omar Marmoush scoring twice. Previously, Bafana lost one-nil to Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, through a Mohamed Salah penalty. Salah is expected to miss tonight’s clash at Cairo International Stadium. Kick-off is at eight PM.

Stay tuned for more news………….