News 11:00

BULLETIN 23 March 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The US cancels billions of rands in HIV and TB research grants for South African universities
# The MK Party condemns the GNU over Zuma’s alleged erasure from Namibia’s presidential inauguration
# And cricket: Two IPL matches await fans today

# South African universities face a funding crisis as the US has cancelled billions in HIV and TB research grants due to low return of investment. Over 300 grants are expected to be terminated, impacting institutions like Wits University’s Wits Health Consortium, which lost a 45-million-rand grant. Experts warn that this could cripple medical research, as 70-percent of SA’s funding comes from the US. Experts warn that the cancellations could lead to major job losses and disrupt life-saving clinical trials.

# The MK Party has condemned the Government of National Unity for allegedly erasing former president Jacob Zuma’s presence at Namibia’s presidential inauguration. The official government social media account acknowledged other former heads of state but omitted Zuma, despite his attendance. The MK Party calls this a political provocation and an attempt to manipulate public perception. They insist that Zuma remains a significant figure in South Africa’s history and will not be erased.

# The Gauteng Community Police Board has condemned the brutal killing of four community patrollers in Soshanguve’s Marry Me informal settlement. Police say the victims were found partially burned with gunshot wounds after a quarrel with a group of men. No arrests have been made and a manhunt has been activated. Board chairperson Thokozani Jacob Masilela has called for patrollers to follow proper procedures to be registered:

# An Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis killed Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel today. This comes as residents reported an escalation in the Israeli military campaign that began on Tuesday. Pro-Hamas media said the airstrike killed Bardaweel, who is a member of the group’s political office, and also killed his wife. Israeli officials had no immediate comment. After two months of relative calm, Gazans were again fleeing for their lives after Israel effectively abandoned a ceasefire.

# And cricket: Fans will be treated to two Indian Premier League fixtures today. First, Sunrisers Hyderabad will host Rajasthan Royals, starting at 12pm South African time. At four, Chennai Super Kings will face Mumbai Indians. Hyderabad has the services of Proteas wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen and allrounder Wiaan Mulder, while English bowler Jofra Archer plays for Rajasthan. Chennai has 43-year-old Indian wicketkeeper MS Dhoni in its squad, which also features exciting young New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra. South Africans Ryan Rickelton, Lizaad Williams and Corbin Bosch play for Mumbai.

Stay tuned for more news………….