It’s Thursday, 18 June, and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with religious leaders at the Union Buildings to discuss South Africa’s heated migration debate, as Home Affairs continues processing thousands of frustrated Malawian nationals outside Sherwood Hall in Durban. The faith leaders have welcomed government’s five-step migration plan, while calling for stronger law enforcement and urgent action in Durban, where over 7,000 Malawian nationals are seeking repatriation. The story has also spilled into the football mood online, with some African fans turning their frustration toward Bafana Bafana ahead of tonight’s Czech Republic clash.
Looking abroad, US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian have signed a 14-point agreement to end the war. The deal commits both sides to further negotiations over the next 60 days, includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, an end to conflict, including in Lebanon, a $300-billion development fund and the lifting of US sanctions on Iranian oil sales. Questions around Iran’s enriched uranium, or what Trump calls “nuclear dust”, will be discussed later.
In Parliament, the Impeachment Committee is challenging President Ramaphosa’s interdict to halt proceedings linked to the Phala Phala report. Legal experts have advised the committee to continue its work and oppose the interdict, saying lawmakers are obligated to follow the Constitutional Court’s order without delay. Committee chair Makashule Gana says the process must move.
The race to the local government polls is also on. The IEC will open all voting stations this weekend, 20 and 21 June, for voter registration. Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo is urging eligible voters to register or check their status and says proof of address is not a requirement.
Health officials are warning South Africans to look out for red flags, as the South African Medical Association raises concern over a surge in bogus medical practitioners. SAMA says fraudsters are stealing real doctors’ identities, forging credentials and fabricating regulatory registration papers. Chairperson Mvuyisi Mzukwa says patients should verify doctors’ HPCSA details and be cautious of suspicious cash-only practices.
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, the ANC has slammed the DA for publicly announcing a reshuffle of its GNU ministers, saying only the President has the authority to appoint or remove members of the Executive. Disgraced lawyer Peet Viljoen will return to court on 26 June for his bail application after being arrested at OR Tambo following deportation from the US. And authorities have demolished dozens of shacks linked to illegal miners at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland after last week’s deadly mass shooting.
SPORT
The Proteas Women have revived their T20 World Cup campaign in England with a win over Pakistan, powered by Annerie Dercksen’s player-of-the-match half-century. Bafana Bafana are also chasing World Cup redemption in Atlanta tonight, where Hugo Broos’ side face the Czech Republic after their opening loss to Mexico.
And finally, America may still be learning the World Cup rhythm, but New York is warming up nicely. After the Knicks delivered the city’s first NBA championship in 50 years, attention now turns to a different round ball, with Queens fan parks preparing for matches involving Senegal, Brazil, France and Algeria. Football said: new market, who dis?
That’s your News Bite for 18 June.
For more, visit eNCA.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.