News 13:00

BULLETIN 31 August 1 am

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa is outraged over general Masemola’s docket decision
# The EFF accuses Cachalia of political interference
# And rugby: De Klerk to join the Springboks in Auckland

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed outrage at the decision by National Police commissioner Fannie Masemola to return 121 political killings dockets to the KwaZulu-Natal task team. According to City Press, he believes the actions pre-empt the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told the publication the president views it as imprudent for the SAPS leadership to start tinkering with areas and issues that are contained in the Mkhwanazi allegations. Ramaphosa has reportedly called acting police minister Firoz Cachalia for an explanation.

Meanwhile, the EFF has accused Kachalia of political interference in investigations into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. The dispute also centers on 121 dockets returned to the political killings task team. Kachalia criticised Masemola for the move, saying he should have awaited the outcome of the Madlanga Commission of inquiry into police corruption. The EFF claims Kachalia’s appointment was irregular and argues he is now proving to be an obstacle to justice.

# ActionSA is celebrating five-years since its launch during the Covid-19 lockdown. Party leader Herman Mashaba says it is a moment to reflect on its growing record rather than holding elaborate celebrations. Speaking to SABC News, Mashaba highlights achievements such as emerging as the largest new party in the 2021 local elections, litigating against Eskom, and championing communities, including those affected by the Lily Mine incident. With six seats in Parliament, he vowed to continue pushing reforms and holding government accountable:

# Motorsport: Oscar Piastri snatched pole position Saturday for the Dutch Grand Prix, locking up the front of the grid with his teammate Lando Norris as McLaren maintained their dominance of Formula One. It was the fifth pole position of the season for the Australian driver, who is seeking to extend his nine-point world championship lead over Norris. Norris had had the edge over the Australian in all three practice sessions so far, but Piastri hit back when it counted to give himself an advantage for the race. Home favourite Max Verstappen qualified in third position.

# Rugby: Experienced scrumhalf Faf de Klerk will join the Springboks in New Zealand for the second leg of their Rugby Championship campaign against the All Blacks, where they will play matches in Auckland and Wellington. De Klerk’s inclusion in the squad increases the size of the group currently preparing for the first Test in Auckland to 36 players. The Springboks will face their archrivals, the All Blacks, at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, 6 September, before travelling to Wellington for their second match on the tour on Saturday, 13 September.

# And the National Youth Development Agency has teamed up with Amapiano duo Scorpion Kings to train 150 young creatives through the National Youth Service programme. Launched alongside last night’s ‘Live with Friends’ event at Loftus Versfeld, the initiative will provide mentorship and hands-on experience in event production, coordination, and front-of-house operations. NYDA deputy chairperson Bonga Makhanya hailed the partnership, boosting skills, economic opportunities, and social cohesion in South Africa’s creative sector:

Stay tuned for more news………….