News 11:00

BULLETIN 30 August 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africans are urged not to undermine democracy through violence during the elections
# The Christian Forum acknowledges Ramaphosa’s statement on church worship in schools
# And Soil of Africa says the growth in the tourism sector must lead to more job opportunities

# The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Local Government Elections has urged all South Africans to exercise caution and not undermine democracy through any type of violence during the elections. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson, Pearl Maseko-Binqose, says the Electoral Commission’s research report provides information on the views and behavioural preferences of adult South Africans to better understand the electoral context and inform the IEC in its electoral management mandate:

# The South African National Christian Forum acknowledges the speech delivered by president Cyril Ramaphosa during the ANC election campaign in Soweto , where he stated that churches should be granted space for worship within public schools. However, the forum’s president, Marothi Mashashane, is cautious. He hopes the declaration is a genuine commitment to religious freedom and community upliftment, rather than a mere campaign strategy to secure the Christian vote:

# Soil of Africa Civic Movement says South Africa’s surging tourism sector growth must now translate directly into large-scale job creation. Tourism minister Patricia de Lille announced that South Africa welcomed 991-thousand-696 international tourists in July 2026, representing a 12.5-percent increase compared with July 2025. Between January and July 2026, the country recorded 6,5-million international tourist arrivals, an increase of 12.4% compared with the same period in 2025. The movement spokesperson, Luzuko Sofute, says South Africa possesses extraordinary tourism assets:

# Iceland has begun counting votes in a referendum on whether to reopen talks on European Union membership, with the result appearing too close to call. Early results gave the “yes” campaign a narrow lead, but “no” votes moved ahead as counting continued overnight. The referendum would not decide whether Iceland joins the EU, but only whether membership negotiations should resume. A second vote would be needed on any eventual membership deal. The outcome could reopen a debate Iceland abandoned in 2013, when previous EU negotiations were suspended.

# And finally, sports news:

# Tennis:: Novak Djokovic says he is prepared for his latest bid to make tennis history at the US Open, where he is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title. The 39-year-old has reached the final four or better at six of the past seven majors, but has not won one since lifting the US Open trophy in 2023. With world number one Jannik Sinner out with a knee injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returning after a lengthy wrist layoff, the draw appears unusually open. Djokovic begins his US Open campaign against Argentina’s Mariano Navone today.

# And motorsport: Lando Norris has extended his McLaren contract until at least the end of 2030, committing to the team for the foreseeable future. The 26-year-old Briton joined McLaren as a test driver in 2017 and made his Formula One debut with the team two years later. Norris has since won 13 Grands Prix, taken 18 pole positions and claimed his first world championship last year. He says McLaren is home and he would be happy to finish his Formula One career with the team.

Stay tuned for more news………….