News 11:00

BULLETIN 3 May 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Advocacy group concerned about funding crisis threatening the Madlanga Commission
# A first consignment South African apples is heading for retail markets in China
# And in motorsport, the teenager F1 leader Kimi Antonelli takes pole in Miami with race starting earlier

# The Unmuted Coalition South Africa has called on the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to ensure there is available funding to resource the Madlanga Commission. This follows reports that the department may have a funding shortfall threatening the Commission’s progress in probing corruption and political interference in the police. Chairperson Cynthia Chishimba warns that stopping the commission’s work sends a negative message about the government’s commitment to justice. The commission is expected to deliver key reports findings soon with completion expected in August.

# A 24-tonne shipment of South African apples cleared in Shenzhen under China’s new zero-tariff policy is headed for retail markets, boosting competitiveness. The policy, which began this month and ends in April 2028, extends duty-free access to 53 of 54 African countries, aiming to diversify exports beyond minerals. Eswatini has been excluded due to its ties with Taiwan. University of Johannesburg’ analyst David Monyae says the move opens opportunities for higher-value agricultural goods and positions African economies to expand into one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

International relations analysts meanwhile say Eswatini’s exclusion from the deal could be politically motivated due to its ties with Taiwan. Eswatini is the only African country excluded from the scheme for African exports. The policy covers 53 nations with diplomatic ties to Beijing. A political scientist at the Australian National University’s Taiwan Centre, Wen-Ti Sung, says by sidelining Eswatini, China is weaponising its ties. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province, while critics argue the decision reflects strategic diplomacy with conditions attached.

# The One Merafong Organisation is preparing a lawsuit against Gauteng government over delays in addressing the asbestos crisis. Secretary-general Buti Mthembu of the civil society movement says commitments made in 2014 have not been fulfilled. Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara told SABC News that the removal project was halted due to funding constraints. She adds that current grants only cover roof removal, not relocation or repairs, as discussions are ongoing to resolve the issues:

Motorsport: Mercedes’ championship-leading teenager Kimi Antonelli claimed pole position Saturday for the Miami Grand Prix, as the race’s start time was brought forward by three hours due to expected heavy rainstorms. The 19-year-old Italian, the youngest title race leader in F1 history, resisted a late charge by four-time champion Max Verstappen who will start next to him. It is  Antonelli’s third pole and his third in consecutive races, a feat that draws him alongside great former champions Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher in the record books.

# Anf finally soccer: Durban City FC have been crowned 2026 Nedbank Cup champions with seven-million-rand prize money after a 2-1 comeback victory over TS Galaxy at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo. Mfanafuthi Mkhize equalised in the second-half before Jean Lwamba netted the winner, redeeming an earlier own goal. This marks the club’s first major trophy and ends KwaZulu-Natal’s 17-year drought. Interim coach Pitso Dladla hailed the team for the hard work:

Stay tuned for more news………….