News 13:00

BULLETIN 26 January 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Nine SANDF soldiers have been killed in DRC clashes with M23 rebels
# Al Jama-ah hails the Expropriation Act as a historic move
# And cricket: South Africa maintain their unbeaten streak in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup

# The South African National Defence Force has confirmed the loss of nine soldiers during intense clashes with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A total of 13 soldiers serving with peacekeeping forces have been killed in the latest clashes. Forces managed to push back a rebel advance on the city of Goma, in eastern DRC. French President Emmanuel Macron had since spoken to the leaders of both the DRC and Rwanda amid global calls for the violence to end, while the United Nations withdrew all non-essential staff out of Goma.

The DA has meanwhile renewed its call for the South African Defence Force withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo after the death of the soldiers. DA spokesperson Chris Hattingh criticised the SANDF’s lack of communication and questioned its preparedness, citing years of budget cuts. He demands an end to the deployment amid escalating conflict:

# Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks hails the Expropriation Bill as a milestone for land reform. Hendricks says the party commits to protecting farm dwellers, especially in areas like Paarl and Robertson, where apartheid-era-style evictions persist. He pledges to address these injustices through the Ministry of Social Development, ensuring equitable land distribution and permanent relief for labour tenants:

# President Donald Trump says he believes the US will gain control of Greenland, after showing renewed interest in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory. He told reporters on Air Force One on Saturday that the island’s 57-thousand residents want to be with America. Despite Trump’s apparent confidence, the prime ministers of Greenland and Denmark have both previously said the island is not for sale. Greenland lies on the shortest route from North America to Europe, making it strategically important for the US. It is also home to a large American space facility.

# And cricket: South Africa’s Under-19 Women continued their impressive run in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Malaysia 2025, securing a seven-wicket victory against Ireland in their first Super Six fixture. Inclement weather delayed start of play, and the match was reduced to ten overs per side, with South Africa sent in to bowl first. A superb bowling performance by Monalisa Legodi and captain, Kayla Reyneke, saw Ireland bowled out for 35 runs. South Africa comfortably chased down the target, losing only three wickets. Their next match is on Tuesday against the USA.

Stay tuned for more news………….