News 18:00

BULLETIN 18 January 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA accepts Ghaleb Cachalia’s resignation 
# Al Jama-ah declares victory as the US and Israel backtrack on Hamas claims
# And rugby: Former Bok Elton Jantjies is banned for four years for using a banned substance

# DA Member of Parliament Ghaleb Cachalia has resigned, citing disagreement over the party’s position on the Gaza conflict. The party accepts the resignation effective immediately but rejects Cachalia’s justifications, emphasising its commitment to peace and a two-state solution. They criticise him for disrespecting party processes and violating caucus decisions. The DA’s Solly Malatsi dismissed attacks on coalition partners, civil society, and internal systems, rebuffing attempts to scapegoat DA leader John Steenhuisen:

Meanwhile, Al Jama-ah has claimed victory for South Africa as the United States and Israel backtracked on certain accusations against Hamas. The party says it notes growing international support for South Africa’s move to take Israel to the International Court of Justice in The Hague for alleged genocide of Palestinians. Party leader Ganief Hendricks urges the continuation of the solidarity campaign in support of Palestine. He says in a statement he plans to file a complaint against the African Christian Democratic Party for denying the Palestinian genocide:

Meanwhile, the former Johannesburg mayor, Mpho Phalatse, has called for introspection on the reasons behind the DA losing leaders. This comes in response to the resignation of a DA member of the Gauteng legislature, Khume Ramulifho, after 25 years of service. He says the DA deviated from its mandate of inclusivity for all South Africans. Ramulifho has now joined Rise Mzansi, saying it’s a party he believes can unite South Africans. Phalatse expressed regret at his departure, telling eNCA he was a great leader for the DA:

# Rugby: Former Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies was given a four-year ban from the game after testing positive for a banned substance in August last year. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport says the window for any potential appeal had lapsed, with reports suggesting this may be the end of his career. The 33-year-old 2019 World Cup winner made headlines for all the wrong reasons in the past few years, being arrested for damaging a plane during a flight in 2022, and over his alleged affair with the Boks’ dietician, Zeenat Simjee, later that year.

# And finally: The Guinness World Records has cast doubt on the age of Bobi the dog, suspending his title as the world’s oldest canine. Bobi died in October last year at 31-years-and-eight-months after being declared the oldest living dog. The purebred Rafeiro’s record-breaking status as the world’s oldest dog ever, beating a previous record of nearly a century, is now under review. Sceptics point to discrepancies in Bobi’s appearance, but owner Leonel Costa insists, attributing Bobi’s longevity to a natural diet. Guinness review prompts a temporary pause on both oldest dog living and oldest dog ever titles.

Stay tuned for more news………….