News 11:00

BULLETIN 18 October 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The government commits to urgent ICT sector reforms
# Ramaphosa criticises Israel for weaponising  food against Palestinians
# And the IFP celebrates 50 years of resilience and integrity

# Communications Minister Solly Malatsi says government is committed to driving genuine reforms in the ICT sector. Speaking at a policy gathering in Pretoria, Malatsi acknowledged frustrations over the gap between potential and delivery, warning that fragmented policy threatens sector growth. Malatsi emphasised the need for urgent action, policy alignment, and collaboration with industry stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of infrastructure and trust to accelerate South Africa’s digital transformation:

Malatsi added that the ICT Policy Colloquium aims to reform the sector and unlock growth in South Africa’s digital economy. Malatsi said the initiative marks a fresh, inclusive approach to policymaking, co-created with industry experts. He emphasised that the modernisation of outdated policies should keep pace with technological advancements, enhance connectivity, reduce data costs, and create jobs through innovation-driven digital transformation:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned what he called Israel’s alleged weaponisation of food in Gaza. Speaking at the 7th Social Justice Summit in Cape Town, Ramaphosa emphasised that food should never be used as a weapon and insisted never again should food ever be used as a weapon against those that we may not like. The president also urged retailers to lower food prices domestically, and stressed that food security is a human right and essential for development.

# The Inkatha Freedom Party is marking its 50th anniversary at the Jabulani Amphitheatre in Soweto today, under the leadership of IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa. Founded in 1975 by the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the IFP evolved from a cultural movement into a major political force. In a statement, the party says the chosen venue holds historical significance, as Prince Buthelezi often addressed the public there. It says that the event celebrates five decades of resilience, service, and integrity in South African politics.

# Golf: Daniel van Tonder overcame a bee sting on the first tee to claim a share of the lead going into the weekend of the Sunshine Tour’s Fortress Invitational at Glendower Golf Club. Van Tonder signed for a second round of 69 on Friday to share a one-stroke lead with Christiaan Burke on nine under par overall. Despite the discomfort caused by the bee sting, Van Tonder played his way into contention for his third victory this year. However, it’s still a tight leaderboard with a group of five players just one shot off the leaders.

# And finally: The South Korean author of the bestselling memoir I Want to Die but I Want To Eat Tteokbokki has died at the age of 35. Baek Se-hee’s 2018 book was a compilation of conversations with her psychiatrist about her depression. It became a cultural phenomenon with its themes of mental health resonating with readers across the world. Originally written in Korean, it found international acclaim after its English translation was published in 2022. The Korean Organ Donation Agency on Friday said Baek donated her organs, which have helped to save five lives.

Stay tuned for more news………….