News 15:00

BULLETIN 9 February 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Kemi Behari describes a hostile climate and political interference in Ekurhuleni
# A severe weather warning is issued for parts of the Western Cape
# And rugby: The Blitzboks improve to second in the world series standings after winning in Perth

# Suspended Ekurhuleni head of Risk and Legal Services, Kemi Behari, has told the Madlanga commission the city became a hostile workplace marked by political interference and deep mistrust among employees. He cites tensions around promotions and management failures, including Metro Police shutdowns after overtime was cut without consultation. Behari stresses many officials remain dedicated, but systemic management problems and interference undermined stability and service delivery:

Meanwhile, the forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has confirmed to SABC News he will testify in camera before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing alleged political interference in the justice system tomorrow. He had earlier declined to appear in person, citing safety concerns and requesting to testify virtually from a South African embassy. National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza rejected claims of protecting O’Sullivan, stating he did not refuse to appear but applied under the committee’s rules. He will attend with full security in place.

# The Western Cape Disaster Management Team says the province is facing extreme weather as the South African Weather Service issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, strong winds, and the risk of local flooding. This is especially in the Cape Winelands and Overberg regions.  Spokesperson Colin Deiner advises residents can expect turbulent, wet, and windy conditions with possible travel disruptions:

# Forum for South Africa supports the withdrawal of South African National Defence Force soldiers from the United Nations’ mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUSCO. Government says the unilateral decision is influenced by the need to consolidate and realign the SANDF’s resources. FOSA leader Tebogo Mashilompane says South Africa has for 27-years poured blood, resources, and taxpayers’ money into a mission that has failed to bring lasting peace:

# Rugby: The Blitzboks improved to second in the sevens world series following their victory over first-placed Fiji in yesterday’s final of the tournament in Perth, Australia. This was South Africa’s second title so far this season after winning in Cape Town in December, with less favourable results in Dubai and Singapore. The Blitzboks trail the islanders by four points. New Zealand is now third, followed by France, Australia, Argentina, Spain and Great Britain. The next tournament will be played in Vancouver, Canada, from 7 March.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-6-cents and the euro at 19-rand-5-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-85-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-837-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-and-2-dollars-38-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-98-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….