News 16:00

BULLETIN June 1st 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The IFP celebrates, what they call, voters’ protest against the ANC in the elections
# Cricket: Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh declared fit for T20 World Cup
# And, the UN observes Global Day of Parents today to honour parental dedication

# The Inkatha Freedom Party says the election results show South Africans protested at the ballot by voting out the ANC. IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa expressed satisfaction with the results, noting the ANC’s failure to reach 50-percent-plus-one. He highlighted that the IFP increased its voter base and will have stronger representation in various legislatures:

Earlier, Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald expressed optimism about being a strong opposition partner in parliament through coalitions. Speaking at the Result Operation Centre in Midrand, Groenewald highlighted the ANC’s loss of the majority of votes for the first time in 30 years. Groenewald says the ANC can no longer use its majority to control parliament. He anticipates holding president Cyril Ramaphosa accountable for the Phala Phala farm saga in the seventh parliament:

Meanwhile, the ANC remains in the lead nationally as the Electoral Commission is nearly complete with processing the voting district results. Preliminary results show the ANC at 40.21-percent followed by the DA at 21.79-percent and the MK Party at 14.61-percent. In KwaZulu-Natal, MK is leading with 45.35-percent followed by the IFP at 18.06-percent and the ANC third with 16.99-percent. In Gauteng, the ANC leads with 34.78-percent followed by the DA at 27.53-percent and the EFF at 12.9-percent. In the Western Cape, the DA is maintaining its majority with 55.26-percent followed by the ANC at 19.57-percent and the Patriotic Alliance with 7.81-percent of the votes.

# Cricket: Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh has been declared fit for their opening match at the T20 World Cup on 6 June, but he will not be bowling. The all-rounder headed home from the Indian Premier League in April with a hamstring injury and only made his return this week in two practice matches in Trinidad. He did not field for the full innings in either game, with a timeline on his bowling return still unclear.

# And, finally: The United Nations is observing the Global Day of Parents to honour the selfless dedication of parents worldwide and advocates for greater support. This year’s theme, The Promise of Playful Parenting, highlights expert advice on topics like the benefits of play. The day recognises parents as first teachers, promoting family unity and cohesion. It also calls for supportive policies on challenges like the balance between work and family through measures like parental leave. The observance also aims to foster more community and government action to nurture families.

Stay tuned for more news………….