News 11:00

BULLETIN 24 August 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa engages European leaders on the Russia-Ukraine peace process
# A new poll shows ANC support falls below 30-percent
# And the families affected by the Boksburg tanker explosion file a 65-million-rand lawsuit

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has discussed efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict with several European leaders. Ramaphosa engaged Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, French president Emmanuel Macron, and Finland president Alexander Stubb, following briefings from Russian president Vladimir Putin. The Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says Ramaphosa emphasised urgent bilateral and trilateral meetings with Russia, Ukraine, and the US, urging all parties to sustain momentum toward peace:

# A new poll by the DA shows the ANC has lost 11 percentage points nationally since last year’s general election, with the party’s support now below 30-percent. The DA is just one percentage point behind at 29-percent. The DA has also overtaken the ANC in several metros. In Johannesburg, the ANC polls at 23-percent compared to the DA’s 40-percent, while in Tshwane the ANC is on 27-percent and the DA at a solid 48-percent. In Ekurhuleni the ANC has 19-percent support, with the DA on 41-percent.

In the past, the DA polling has been particularly accurate. It is conducted daily by telephone among one-thousand-820 demographically representative respondents who are all registered voters.

# The Special Investigating Unit has revealed more than 100 officials in four syndicates linked to corruption at Tembisa Hospital. The breakthrough stems from a three-year investigation on information provided by slain whistleblower Babita Diokaran, who was gunned down in 2021 after exposing irregularities. Her family says they remain heartbroken but proud she stood for what was right. SIU chief executive Andy Mothibi says more investigations are underway:

# The families of 67 victims, including survivors and families of the 41 deceased, have filed a 65-million-rand civil lawsuit nearly three years after the Boksburg LPG tanker explosion. The Johannesburg High Court application names Infinite Fleet Transport, Innovative Staffing Solutions, and the City of Ekurhuleni as defendants. Plaintiffs allege negligence in vehicle monitoring, hazardous material training, and municipal oversight. The claims seek compensation for injuries, loss of support, property damage, and emotional distress.

# Rugby: Australia launched their Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign with a record-breaking 73-0 thrashing of Samoa in Salford on Saturday. The Wallaroos scored 11 tries, with wing Desire Miller getting a first-half hat-trick. Australia surpassed both their previous highest points tally for a World Cup match: 62-12 against South Africa in 2006, and their largest winning margin at the global showpiece of 62-0, also against South Africa, in 2010. It was the second lopsided Pool A game in as many days after tournament hosts and favourites England launched the competition with a 69-7 hammering of the United States on Friday.

# And finally: Award-winning actress and beloved cultural icon, Nandi Nyembe, has passed away at the age of 75. The legend has been wheelchair-bound due to her deteriorating health. Confirming the news, her family describes her as a pillar of hope. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has hailed her as one of South Africa’s most treasured icons. She brought to life some of the most iconic characters, including her roles in Zone 14, Yizo Yizo, and Soul City, leaving behind a remarkable 53-year legacy in television, film, and theatre.

Stay tuned for more news………….