News 13:00

BULLETIN 13 September 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Springboks take sweet revenge in Wellington
# The police recovered the body of the pilot who crashed into the sea in Durban
# And China condemns the presence of US and British warships in the Taiwan Strait

# We kick off with good news: An excellent Springbok team restored their reputation after last week’s dismal performance against their archenemies, the All Blacks. The All Blacks lead 10-7 at halftime in Wellington, with both sides scoring a try. Cheslin Kolbe had the South African supporters in the stadium on their feet when he intercepted and ran 75 metres for his first try. He scored another try within the first few minutes of the second half, with more tries by Grant Williams, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman and Andre Esterhuizen for a bonus point win of 43-10. It was the Springboks’ biggest victory ever over the All Blacks. The South Africans are now also back at the top as the number one rugby team in the world.

# The minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, says new bilateral phytosanitary agreements are being finalised to open or expand access to markets such as China for avocados, India for fresh produce, Japan for grain products, and the Middle East for beef. This followed the United States of America’s decision to impose a 30-percent unilateral tariff on South Africa’s exports. The department’s spokesperson, Joylene van Wyk, says these agreements efforts are backed by strategic investments in cold chain infrastructure and export compliance systems:

# The City of Tshwane says it will resubmit its blacklisting application against businessman Edwin Sodi to the National Treasury by 19 September. This comes three years after cancelling his 295-million-rand Rooiwal Wastewater Plant contract. It was linked to Hammanskraal’s water crisis and the 2023 cholera outbreak. According to the Daily Maverick, the City cites poor performance, procurement irregularities, and Auditor-General findings. Spokesperson Lindela Mashigo says the process has taken time but is now legally watertight, with an independent review committee verifying compliance.

# KwaZulu-Natal police have recovered a body believed to be that of pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, who went missing after a plane crash off the coast of Durban last month during an airshow. Police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda says the body was found along the Bay of Plenty Beach in the Durban Beachfront on Friday night:

# China’s military on Friday condemned the sailing of a US and British warship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, saying it ordered naval and air forces to monitor and warn the two ships. It said the two ships were engaged in “trouble-making and provocation”. Britain’s defence ministry said the sailing was a routine passage and in full compliance with international law and norms. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, says the strategic waterway is part of its territorial waters. China has, over the past five years, increased its military pressure on the island.

# And rugby: The long-standing rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand will also continue in the Women’s World Cup in England today. The Springbok Women will face the defending champions in the first quarterfinal, kicking off in Exeter at two this afternoon. Then Canada and Australia will do battle in Bristol. Tomorrow, France and Ireland will play in Exeter for a place in the semifinal, while the hostesses will compete with Scotland in Bristol. The penultimate round will be played next week, followed by the final on the 27th.

Stay tuned for more news………….