News 11:00

BULLETIN 8 June 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Bantu Holomisa requests an urgent meeting with Raymond Zondo amid the government of national unity negotiations
# Experts are concerned over the declining gender parity in the new Parliament
# And, cricket: The Proteas play the Dutch on a sub-standard pitch in New York today

# United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa has requested an urgent meeting with chief justice Raymond Zondo, as parties negotiate a government of national unity. Holomisa emphasises the need to foster a transparent, collaborative agenda for South Africa. He highlights the importance of inclusive decision-making in the evolving governance landscape. Holomisa says the agenda for the next five years needs to be discussed.

In another development, gender experts are disappointed in the deteriorating gender parity in the new Parliament, based on the final party lists. WISE Advocacy Group’s Brenda Madumise says the ANC has maintained its list practice of alternating gender, but the EFF has improved. However, the DA and the MK party are not on target. Madumise noted the Patriotic Alliance struck a perfect 50-50 balance with its four seats. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch University’s Amanda Gouws notes with the ANC’s reduced 159 seats, 79 will be filled by women.

# United Nations humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths has criticised leaders in conflict areas for prioritising power over their people’s needs. In an interview, Griffiths highlighted the dire consequences for millions caught in violence. Griffiths notes efforts to resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict have been insufficient. He emphasises the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid and political diplomacy to end conflicts and support displaced populations:

# Cricket: South Africa takes on the Netherlands in a T20 World Cup group match today at the New York stadium which pitch the International Cricket Council deems not up to standard. The previous matches at the temporary Nassau County stadium were low-scoring encounters, due to the nature of the drop-in pitch which makes batting extremely difficult. The ICC says ground staff are remedying the pitches for the rest of the matches, including tomorrow’s between arch rivals India and Pakistan.

# And, the United Nation’s World Oceans Day is focusing on inspiring action to protect marine life. The day creates awareness of the oceans’ vital purpose for survival, producing 50-percent of the world’s oxygen. UN General Assembly president Dennis Francis has raised concern about the pollution and degradation of oceans due to human activities, stressing awareness of the impact to sustain its biodiversity:

Stay tuned for more news………….