News 13:00

BULLETIN 10 March 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# IFP supporters have been  injured in a bus crash en route to their manifesto launch
# A South African toddler is repatriated from Senegal prison
# And, motorsport: Verstappen wins Saudi-Arabian Grand Prix for Red Bull

# Three buses transporting IFP supporters to the party’s manifesto launch at Moses Mabida Stadium in Durban have crashed on the N2 near Gingindlovu, KwaZulu-Natal. Emergency services are on the scene rescuing trapped passengers. Eight people have been rushed to hospital with serious injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Meanwhile, the party says its manifesto is strategically designed to address the daily challenges faced by citizens. It is being launched nder the theme Let’s do it for Shenge. The launch marks a historic moment without its late founding president, prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who passed away last year. IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa says party leader Velenkhosini Hlabisa will offer credible solutions to political, social and economic issues:

# Social workers from South Africa’s Department of Social Development brought back a two-year-old from a Senegal prison. Born to a mother arrested for drug trafficking, the child’s repatriation followed collaboration between South Africa’s DIRCO and the Senegalese authorities. Social Development minister, Lindiwe Zulu, says the child will be cared for by family in the Eastern Cape, highlighting the government’s commitment to child welfare and family connections, as mandated by the Children’s Act:

# Following the rapid deployment of resources on a fire in Du Toitskloof yesterday afternoon, combined with active firefighting during the night, only a few active fire spots continue to burn high up in the cliffs of the mountains. Cape Winelands District Municipality’s fire services say their ground teams and contracted ground crew, Integrated Wildlife Services, NCC Group and CapeNature will remain on site throughout the day.

# And, motorsport: Max Verstappen won yesterday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from Sergio Perez to maintain Red Bull’s perfect start to the season. Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari was third with British teen Oliver Bearman a remarkable seventh on his debut for Ferrari as a late stand-in for the ill Carlos Sainz. After a season-opening win in Bahrain last Saturday, the defending three-time world champion notched up a ninth consecutive victory and a 100th career podium finish. Oscar Piastri of McLaren finished fourth ahead of Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin.

Stay tuned for more news………….