News 13:00

BULLETIN 4 October 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Lamola reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to AU development
# The South African Police Service promotes close to two-thousand officers
# And soccer: The MTN8 final is sold out ahead of the Pirates-Sundowns clash

# Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola says South Africa honours the founding vision of the African Union Development Agency and New Partnership for Africa’s Development to build a prosperous and self-reliant Africa. Speaking at the AUDA-NEPAD Founders Summit in Egypt, Lamola highlighted peace, security and human development as priorities. He says as chair of the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, South Africa is advancing regional infrastructure and intra-African trade, supporting Africa’s industrialisation:

# The Labour Party has outlined key manifesto pledges during a campaign event in Mzinti, Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, a month to the local government elections. Acting secretary-general, Gift Antonio, says the party wants to restore reliable basic services, including water, sanitation, electricity and waste removal and create decent jobs. He says that the party proposes safer streets through functioning lights and patrols, while professionalising local government by prioritising skills over political appointments:

Meanwhile, the Freedom Front Plus campaign ahead of the November 4 local government elections is focused on improving poor service delivery at local government level. Party leader Corné Mulder says communities are frustrated by inadequate services, corruption and what he describes as incompetence. Speaking in Bloemfontein, Mulder says the party is presenting itself as an alternative for residents seeking change. He says growing support for the party reflects people choosing to join a political movement based on its policies and principles.

And during the EFF’s provincial manifesto event at Motherwell, Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, the leader Julius Malema said Eskom should generate enough revenue to sustain its operations, rather than make a profit. Malema argued that electricity is a basic right and should be more affordable. He criticised high electricity costs for poor households, while accusing Eskom of favouring farms and industries linked to what he calls white monopoly capital:

# The South African Police Service has promoted one-thousand-965 officers to higher ranks. SAPS says the promotions are the first of about three-thousand planned for this financial year, with a second batch expected by November 1. The promoted members include 201 colonels, 622 lieutenant colonels, 899 captains and 243 warrant officers. Acting National Commissioner Puleng Dimpane says the promotions recognise performance and experience, while strengthening leadership, morale and service delivery. She stated it as an important investment to building a motivated and performance-driven police service.

# And soccer: Tickets for the 2026 MTN8 Final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are officially sold out. The final will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, October 10, with gates opening at two PM. The Premier Soccer League says fans must download their tickets to their mobile phones, as screenshots and printed tickets will not be accepted. No tickets will be sold at the stadium. Pirates are targeting a fifth successive MTN8 title, while the final will be their 21st appearance in the competition.

Stay tuned for more news………….