News 11:00

BULLETIN 12 April 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deputy minister Morolong says government is committed to ensure an inclusive media landscape in SA
# DA slams ATNS for failing George airport as winter travel risks grow
# And, Augrabies Falls roars to life as the Orange River surges

# Deputy minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong says the government remains committed to working alongside industry stakeholders to ensure that South Africa’s media landscape is inclusive, competitive, and representative of the country’s diversity. He engaged with the CEO’s of the media industry who form part of the print and digital media Transformation and Revitalization Steering Committee in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Morolong says they must commit to meaningful transformation and long-term sustainability in the media industry to ensure that the voices of all South Africans are reflected:

# The DA says George airport in the Western Cape is being left in the dark as winter sets in, due to Air Traffic Navigation Services failing to update flight safety procedures. According to the party, the alternative means of compliance expired this week, yet no clear timeline has been given for updated protocols. With shorter daylight hours and limited landing systems, the DA’s Noko Masipa warns this could impact passenger safety, tourism, and local businesses:

# The president of the Red Cross Committee, Mirjana Spoljaric, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as ‘hell on earth’ and warned that its field hospital will run out of supplies within two weeks. She told Reuters in Geneva that in many parts people do not have access to water, electricity or food. No new humanitarian supplies have entered the Palestinian enclave since Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks on March 2nd.

# Golf: Justin Rose clung to a one-stroke lead over Bryson DeChambeau after yesterday’s second round of the 89th Masters while Rory McIlroy leaped into contention with a stunning back-nine charge at Augusta National. The 2011 winner, Charl Schwartzel, carded 72 to share 40th position on two-over 146, while the other two South Africans in the field, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, seven-over 151 and Thriston Lawrence, 11-over 155, both missed the cut after rounds of 75 and 76 respectively.

# And finally, the Augrabies Falls in the Northern Cape is roaring again as water levels rise ahead of the Easter holidays. The Orange River is flowing much stronger than usual, reaching 427 cubic metres per second this week. The Department of Water and Sanitation says the flow could peak at three-thousand cubic metres per second by Good Friday, after recent rain and dam releases. Visitors to the Augrabies Falls National Park can expect a powerful waterfall display for the next two weeks.

Stay tuned for more news………….