News 13:00

BULLETIN 17 May 1 pm 

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Julius Malema accuses president Ramaphosa of blocking transparency over Phala Phala 
# Brown Mogotsi is emotionally distressed in police custody
# And Cape Town crews work around the clock after storm damage

# EFF leader Julius Malema has reiterated that president Cyril Ramaphosa is attempting to block transparency over the Phala Phala scandal. Speaking on the Frank Dialogue Podcast, Malema said the party opposes Ramaphosa’s court review of the independent panel report and any attempt to halt impeachment proceedings. Malema argues the review process should not interfere with parliamentary accountability. He accuses Ramaphosa of using political power and the courts to avoid scrutiny:

# North West businessman Brown Mogotsi’s lawyer, Makau Sekgatja, says his client is emotionally distressed following his arrest. Mogotsi is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court tomorrow on charges of defeating the ends of justice following allegations that he staged an assassination attempt in Vosloorus last November. The firearm used has been linked to murder and attempted murder crimes. Sekgatja told SABC News that Mogotsi will plead not guilty:

# Inkatha Freedom Party Johannesburg mayoral candidate Mlungisi Mabaso says poor service delivery and corruption remain major challenges in the City of Johannesburg. Speaking in Soweto, Mabaso said the city must improve revenue collection for water, sanitation and electricity, close financial leaks and reduce dependence on government loans. In an interview with SABC he called for the reclaiming of invaded industrial sites to boost investment and create jobs to strengthen the city’s economy:

# The City of Cape Town disaster management teams are working 24-hour shifts to address thousands of service requests following the recent storm and flooding across the metro. Officials report that crews are clearing flooding, repairing damaged infrastructure and restoring essential services in affected communities. The city aims at speeding up response times and assisting residents impacted by severe weather. Organisations including Gift of the Givers are also assisting affected residents with necessities. Authorities have urged the public to report faults as recovery efforts continue.

# Soccer: Durban City FC coach Pitso Dladla has praised his players for shutting out Orlando Pirates on a crucial day in the title race. Durban City frustrated Pirates with a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium, delaying their Premiership title celebrations. Pirates must defeat Orbit College FC on Saturday to become champions. He told SABC that despite Pirates dominated possession they failed to break down Durban City’s defence:

# And finally, Stellenbosch University will co-host the second Global Conference on Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Cape Town next week. The conference will take place from tomorrow to Wednesday and will bring together about 400 experts, policymakers and youth leaders from 47 countries. It will focus on improving mental health for children and adolescents through research, innovation and youth-centred solutions.The gathering aims to strengthen global cooperation on one of the most urgent health challenges affecting children and adolescents worldwide.

Stay tuned for more news………….