News 13:00

BULLETIN 2 May 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Hlabisa pushes the Coalition Bill ahead of the local government elections
# The DA says it’s ready for the polls and calls for functional municipalities
# And Julius Malema rejects the recent Afrophobia attacks in South Africa

# Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, says efforts are underway to pass the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill before the 4 November elections. The bill aims to provide a framework for stable coalition governments. Hlabisa says binding agreements will help prevent instability in municipalities. While some parties have criticised the proposal, the government believes clear rules are needed to regulate coalitions and ensure consistent, accountable governance at the local level. 

Meanwhile, deputy president Paul Mashatile says there is no division between the ANC and the South African Communist Party, as both alliance partners begin their individual campaign trail ahead of the local government elections. Speaking in Limpopo, Mashatile emphasised the importance of unity within the alliance and urged members to remain united and focus on strengthening the alliance beyond elections. He says engagements will continue after elections to shape future cooperation:

# DA member of Parliament Karabo Khakhau says the party is ready for the 4 November local government elections, calling for urgent improvements in service delivery. Khakhau highlighted ongoing sewage spillages and poor infrastructure. Khakhau says South Africans deserve accountable governance led by competent administration, transparent financial management, and effective service delivery to communities:

# The Department of Home Affairs has arrested two more officials in its anti-corruption drive, adding to 63 dismissals since July 2024. One official was nabbed in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, during a sting over a fraudulent death registration and allegedly offered a three-thousand-rand bribe. In Secunda, Mpumalanga, another official and two civilians were arrested for issuing Smart IDs to unqualified foreign nationals. Minister Leon Schreiber says the department’s zero-tolerance approach is yielding consistent arrests, disciplinary action, and stronger accountability measures.

# EFF leader Julius Malema has condemned acts of Afrophobia in South Africa, calling for unity among African nations. Speaking at a public event, Malema warned against discrimination and violence targeting foreign nationals, saying such actions undermine the country’s values and liberation history. He urged communities to reject division and embrace solidarity, adding that Africa’s progress depends on cooperation. Malema reaffirmed the EFF’s stance against xenophobia and called for peaceful coexistence.

# And soccer: The Nedbank Cup final takes center stage tonight as Durban City FC faces TS Galaxy at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Tonight’s final is a significant opportunity for Durban City to end a 17-year major trophy drought for KwaZulu-Natal teams. TS Galaxy aims to replicate its famous 2019 triumph. Beyond the silverware, the winner secures a lucrative seven-million-rand prize and a spot in the next CAF Confederation Cup. Kick-off is set for 6 pm.

Stay tuned for more news………….