News 11:00

BULLETIN 31 August 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa embarks on a state visit to China to strengthen economic ties
# Today marks one year since the fire in the Usindiso Building
# And, rugby: The Wallabies coach makes five changes for the Pumas Test

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has embarked on a state visit to China and will participate in the forum on the China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing. Taking place from Monday to Thursday at the invitation of president Xi Jinping, the visit aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations. Ramaphosa will engage in bilateral talks, visit Shenzhen’s tech hub, address the business forum, and co-chair a high-level panel on Africa’s modernisation. During the visit, agreements will be signed to enhance economic cooperation, in human settlements, agriculture, and technology.

# Today marks one year since the tragic fire in the Usindiso Building in Johannesburg, which claimed over 70 lives. Seventeen bodies remain in the mortuary. A commission of inquiry found the City of Johannesburg liable for neglecting the hijacked building, which housed 200 shacks. The president of trade union GIWUSA, Mametlwe Sebei, says no action has been taken to assist affected families:

# Police minister Senzo Mchunu has hailed the signing of a new cooperation agreement in the Western Cape as a significant milestone in the fight against crime. The agreement, involving national and provincial government, the South African Police Service, and local law enforcement, aims to create a safer environment for the province. In his address, Mchunu called for unified action across all spheres of government to address the province’s rising murder rates: 

# A 14-year-old girl was killed after a Russian strike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv hit a playground. At least five other people were killed and dozens more injured. Kharkiv is about 35 kilometres from the Russian border and has been the target of frequent attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his calls for all Ukraine’s international partners to allow it to hit targets inside Russia in order to prevent such attacks. Ukraine’s Western allies have partly withheld permission for fear of escalating the conflict.

# And, rugby: Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt made several changes to his team for the Rugby Championship Test against the Pumas in La Plata. There are three switches among the forwards and two in the backs that lost to the Springboks in Perth a fortnight ago. Harry Wilson will become Australia’s 90th captain, taking over from Allan Ala-alatoa, who starts on the bench. The two-time world champions are under pressure, being at the bottom of the log. Kick-off is at midnight, South African time.

Stay tuned for more news………….