News 18:00

BULLETIN 9 April 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Electoral Court grants Zuma the right to contest the elections
# Parliament’s Ethics Committee proposes a new code of conduct
# And, soccer: This week’s Champions League quarterfinals will go ahead despite an alleged terror threat

# Former president Jacob Zuma has been given the green light to contest the elections as a candidate for the MK Party. The Electoral Court ruled in his favour, overturning the Electoral Commission’s decision to bar him due to a 15-month sentence for contempt of court. The court’s decision clears the way for Zuma’s candidacy, dismissing objections against him, as he aims to re-enter the political arena.

Meanwhile, Parliament’s joint committee on Ethics and Members’ Interest has proposed a comprehensive new code of conduct aimed at maintaining integrity among members. The proposed code includes provisions for lifestyle audits, particularly targeting presiding officials, committee chairpersons, and party whips. It also prohibits members of Parliament from engaging in derogatory, racist, or sexist language, as well as inciting violence or promoting hate speech on social media. This follows recent accusations of corruption levelled against the former speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who has subsequently resigned from her position.

# The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has called for the immediate reinstatement of the South African Medical Journal’s editor, Bridget Farham, who was ousted by the South African Medical Association. According to the organisation, Farham’s resignation follows criticism and abuse from pro-Palestine members of the association after publishing an editorial discussing the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The organisation’s Wendy Kahn is concerned about SAMA’s handling of the situation and its reputation as a unifying body for doctors with diverse backgrounds:

# The Western Cape Education Department has announced that schools in all education districts will be open tomorrow including Cape Winelands and Overberg districts. MEC David Maynier has also confirmed that 144 schools have reported damage from recent severe weather, ranging from minor issues to serious damage. Contractors are assessing and repairing damages. He assured support for affected schools, prioritising safety amid challenges:

# Soccer: This week’s Champions League quarterfinal clashes will go ahead despite an alleged terror threat. A media outlet linked to Islamic State apparently issued a threat against all four matches. Arsenal will welcome Bayern Munich to London tonight, while Real Madrid will host Manchester City in Spain. Tomorrow, Paris Saint Germain will play at home against Barcelona, and Atletico will face Dortmund in Madrid. SkySports reports security measures have been heightened at all the venues.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-48-cents and the euro at 20-rand-8-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-45-cents and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-425-dollars-50-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-352-dollars-56-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 89-dollars-90-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….