News 13:00

BULLETIN 19 May 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Natjoints is confident of the security measures for the elections
# The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation launches a petition for the reopening of the city’s library
# And, motorsport: Verstappen equals Senna’s record eight poles in a row

# The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure has assured the public of adequate security measures for the upcoming general elections. Co-chairperson Tebello Mosikili states that a national security assessment has been conducted, and an operational plan is in place. Mosikili emphasises the importance of individual responsibility for a peaceful election, urging cooperation to ensure harmony and respect during and after voting:

In Cape Town, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, is hosting a 30-year celebration of freedom and democracy in Khayelitsha. His spokesperson Litha Mpondwana says the event promotes citizen participation, and awareness of progress, and addresses challenges ahead. It reflects on the work done to ensure a better life for South Africans. He says the aim is to foster a national mood of involvement leading up to the elections:

# The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation has launched a petition to reopen the city’s library which has been closed since 2021. During protest action outside the library, chairperson David Fleminger criticised the Johannesburg Development Agency’s decision to close it due to purported structural issues. Fleminger stresses the library’s importance for education, literacy and mental well-being, urging its immediate reopening as essential for democracy and the community:

# Motorsport: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen found speed when it mattered to equal Ayrton Senna’s record of eight successive pole positions in qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola yesterday – and his seventh of the season. Reuters reports McLaren’s Oscar Piastri ended the session second but was handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding, dropping the Australian to fifth and promoting his teammate Lando Norris to the front row. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz moved up to the third and fourth positions at the Italian team’s home track.

# And, the Department of Social Development will launch Child Protection Week today, highlighting South Africa’s progress in upholding children’s human rights. This year’s campaign, themed Protecting South Africa’s Children 30 Years On, reflects on past discriminatory laws and the country’s commitment to child welfare. Social Development minister Lindiwe Zulu emphasises the importance of children’s rights, guaranteed by the Constitution. The campaign underscores the government’s dedication to education, health and social services to safeguard children’s well-being.

Stay tuned for more news………….