It’s Thursday, 4 June, and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
Heavy rain and floods are causing havoc in the Eastern Cape, with the South African Weather Service issuing a high-level warning for severe storms and urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate. In Humansdorp, residents in Sewende Laan woke up to flooded homes, while Kouga Municipality says its priority is keeping communities safe. In the Western Cape, disaster management teams are also on high alert under an orange level 8 weather warning, with gale-force winds and heavy downpours expected in the Central Karoo and Garden Route.
Kenya’s President William Ruto is in South Africa for a state visit overshadowed by anti-illegal migration protests and deadly violence in Mossel Bay. Ruto and President Cyril Ramaphosa focused on trade, tourism and security, but both leaders addressed migration, with Ruto calling for stronger African economies to reduce the push-pull factors driving movement across the continent. Ramaphosa repeated that South Africans are not xenophobic, while NatJoints warned anti-migrant protesters against using violence under the guise of activism. The Border Management Authority has also confirmed that hundreds of Mozambicans have left South Africa since the Mossel Bay killings.
The Western Cape High Court will hear President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala review bid from 2 to 4 September, as he seeks to overturn the Section 89 independent panel report. Ramaphosa argues that the panel’s process was flawed and failed to properly assess the legality and admissibility of evidence. The review comes as Parliament sets up an impeachment committee following a Constitutional Court order to consider the panel’s findings.
Looking abroad, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a conditional ceasefire if Hezbollah steps back from southern Lebanon, but the Iran-backed armed group was not part of the talks and has not endorsed the deal. The proposal would also give the Lebanese army greater control in designated areas. Meanwhile, a reported heated call between US President Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu has exposed disagreement over the direction of the Iran-Lebanon conflict, as Trump faces growing domestic pressure over Middle East tensions. South Africa may also soon face higher export costs to the United States, with 60 countries facing new tariffs linked to what the US Trade Representative calls forced labour.
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, Brown Mogotsi has been denied bail and will remain behind bars as he faces charges including defeating the ends of justice and perjury. Mogotsi is also accused of attempting to bribe the investigating officer and intends to appeal. Zimbabwe has secured a seat on the UN Security Council after being elected as one of five new non-permanent members for a two-year term.
SPORT
Bafana Bafana are getting love in Mexico, with thousands of local fans turning up at their Pachuca training base ahead of next week’s World Cup opener against the host nation. Assistant coach Helman Mkhalele has joined up with the squad after visa delays, and Bafana face Jamaica in a friendly warm-up on Friday. Back home, former captain Itumeleng Khune has criticised supporters who single out players or back footballers based on club allegiance. In the PSL Promotion-Relegation Play-offs, Milford FC edged Magesi FC to move closer to top-flight football. At the French Open, world number one Aryna Sabalenka was stunned by Russia’s Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals.
And finally, Mexican locals are already showing Bafana Bafana some serious love. South Africa may be facing the host nation in the World Cup opener, but in Pachuca, the welcome has been warm, loud and very local.
That’s your News Bite for 4 June.
For more, visit eNCA.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.