News 13:00

BULLETIN 12 April 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC continues to prioritise constructive dialogue with all political parties in Parliament
# The DA reiterates its call for an urgent overhaul of the parole policy
# And rugby, the Bulls pick a ‘bomb squad’ bench of Boks for their encounter against Edinburgh

# The ANC says it continues to prioritise constructive dialogue with all political parties in Parliament in pursuit of national stability and sound governance. As part of this commitment, the ANC Negotiating Team, led by secretary-general Fikile Mbalula held a productive meeting with Rise Mzansi chairperson, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa and also IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa. The ANC’s spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri says there is firm consensus on the importance of the adopted Fiscal Framework as a necessary step to stabilise public finances, protect frontline services, and unlock growth.

# The DA reiterates its call for an urgent overhaul of parole policy with a risk-based assessment system that factors in community impact and bars early release for violent and firearm-related offenders, unless strict rehabilitation and reintegration conditions are met. The DA’s Nicholas Gotsell says a parliamentary reply by Correctional Services minister, Pieter Groenewald, highlighted a dangerous link between parole policy failures and the ongoing gang and drug wars plaguing the Cape Flats:

# Six police officers from Welkom’s Anti-Gang Unit remain in custody after appearing in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court. The officers are accused of allegedly demanding a 12-thousand-rand bribe and assault on a Nigerian national in 2024. National Prosecuting Authority Free State spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, says the Hawks-led investigations into the matter continues:

# Rugby: The Bulls have decided to go for their own ‘bomb squad’ ahead of their Challenge Cup quarterfinal against Edinburgh this afternoon, picking no less than six Springboks on their bench. While the Bulls have stuck with a traditional five-three bench, they have a host of Boks in their ranks to try and up the tempo in the last quarter of the game, precisely where they believe they will need to take control of the match to earn themselves a semifinal spot. Kickoff is at 13:30 SA time.

# And cricket news: Former England fast bowler James Anderson has been awarded a knighthood in ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list. Anderson retired from Test cricket in July 2024 having taken 704 wickets, the most by a fast bowler in the history of the five-day format. The 42-year-old is still playing for Lancashire but has missed the start of the English County Championship season with a calf problem. The resignation honours list is a tradition that gives outgoing Prime Ministers the opportunity to nominate people for honours.

Stay tuned for more news………….