News 13:00

BULLETIN 16 June 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The SANDF’s third troop cohort is expected home today from the DRC Mission
# Canada commits to strengthening its ties with South Africa
# And, the Table Mountain fire is contained, but the public is urged to avoid trails

# The third cohort of South African National Defence Force troops is expected to arrive today after completing a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. SANDF chief general, Ruzani Mapanya, welcomed the second group yesterday, calling them heroes. The first group returned on Friday. The deployment followed over a decade of conflict between the DRC and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Mapanya urged returning soldiers to share their experiences during upcoming debriefing sessions:

# Canadian prime minister Mark Carney says bilateral relations with South Africa will deepen through international cooperation. Carney met with president Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the G7 Summit, which began today. Both countries are hosting major summits this year with South Africa’s G20 set for November. Carney praised South Africa’s support during Canada’s wildfires and highlighted ongoing collaboration in trade and investment, affirming a growing partnership between the two nations:

# Parliament has urged the inclusion of parents and student governing bodies during discussions regarding the contentious sections of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. This follows public outcry over clauses that shift power over language and admissions from school governing bodies to provincial heads. Stakeholders argue the move threatens local autonomy and mother-tongue education. Lawmakers stress the need for inclusive consultation before final decisions are made on implementing the disputed changes to the education system.

# The National Prosecuting Authority will approach the Supreme Court of Appeal after Free State High Court Judge Phillip Loubser dismissed its application to appeal the ruling that former Ace Magashule’s personal assistant Moroadi Cholota’s extradition was unlawful. Cholota was returned to face charges in the multi-million-rand Free State asbestos roof corruption case. NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says they are optimistic about their prospects:

# Rugby: The former Cheetahs prop who now plays for Edinburgh, Boan Venter, earned his first Springbok call-up on Sunday as Bok coach Rassie Erasmus named a group of 45 players. The announcement followed the team’s first week of training in Johannesburg for the forthcoming international season. With props Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu amongst six players released from the initial 55-man squad due to injuries, Erasmus brought in Venter as the only new addition to his squad. The Springboks will kick off their season against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday 28 June.

# And finally: The South African National Parks has confirmed that the fire above Boyes Drive and Peck’s Valley in Table Mountain National Park has been contained and mop-up operations continue. SANParks says Boyes Drive is now open and no property damage has been reported. The public has also been advised to avoid trails on the mountain. In a statement, SANParks says that early signs suggest a religious group may have started the blaze. Meanwhile, one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.

Stay tuned for more news………….