News 8:00

BULLETIN 27 April 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa to deliver the Freedom Day keynote address in Mpumalanga
# Build One South Africa prepares to launch a job-creating growth charter
# And rugby: Victories for all four South African teams in the United Rugby Championships

# President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the National Freedom Day commemoration set to take place at the AJ Swanepoel Stadium in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, today. Freedom Day celebrates South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections of 1994. It also celebrates the principles enshrined in the country’s Constitution, human dignity, equality before the law, and the protection of fundamental rights. This year’s commemoration concludes the year-long celebration of 30-years of freedom.

And, as South Africa commemorates 31 years of democracy this Freedom Day today, Build One South Africa says it will use this important day to unveil a bold new vision for the country’s future. BOSA will unveil what it titles, A Growth Charter for South Africa: A Path to 5% Economic Growth. Spokesperson, Roger Solomons, says this is a detailed and practical plan to tackle the root cause of the country’s deepening crisis, an economy that has failed to grow:

# The GOOD Party says the City of Cape Town’s Township Development Charges Fund has been ineffective, failing to meet its targets. Council adopted the fund last year, earmarking 20-million-rand to subsidise development charges for small-scale rental units, aiming to unlock investment and improve housing access in targeted areas. GOOD’s Suzette Little says the fund must undergo urgent redirection and restructuring before any additional public funds are committed:

# US. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis yesterday, met one-on-one in the Vatican to try to revive faltering efforts to end Russia’s war with Ukraine. Zelensky said the meeting could prove historic if it delivers the kind of peace he is hoping for, and a White House spokesman called it “very productive”.  The two leaders leaned in close to each other with no aides around. This was their first meeting since the disastrous encounter in the Oval Office.

Rugby: All four South African franchises were victorious in their respective clashes this weekend. The Bulls defeated defending champions Glasgow 26-19 on the Scotsdoun stadium, and the Sharks overcame Ulster in Belfast 22-19. The Lions beat Connacht at Ellis Park by 26-7. Last night, the Stormers were on their homeground in Cape Town and beat Benetton by 56-5. This bonus-point victory means the Stormers move from eight to sixth position on the points log. The home team managed seven tries and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributed 26 points. The half-time score was 30-0.

Stay tuned for more news………….