News 18:00

BULLETIN 23 June 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The leader of Build One South Africa, Mmusi Maimane calls for stronger parliamentary budget oversight
# Forty people drown in France as they seek relief from Europe’s heatwave
# And soccer, the veteran South African coach Pitso Mosimane urges a long-term vision for the game in South Africa

# The leader of Build One South Africa, Mmusi Maimane, has called for stronger parliamentary oversight of South Africa’s two-point-67-trillion-rand budget. Speaking during the Appropriations Bill debate in Parliament, he says the legislature must be better equipped with time, technical capacity and resources to scrutinise public spending effectively. Maimane warns that budgeting remains overly executive-driven, weakening accountability. He highlights funding gaps in key institutions such as Statistics South Africa and the National Prosecuting Authority, calling for reforms to strengthen Parliament’s constitutional role.

# Witness K has told the Madlanga Commission that she was in a romantic relationship with suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and regularly provided him with financial assistance. Mkhwanazi began requesting money about two months into their relationship and frequently sought loans he allegedly never repaid. Witness K said she helped cover his legal fees, and school fees for his children before her financial resources were exhausted:

# GOOD says a debate on spatial inequality raised concerns about whether development in George in the Western Cape is reaching all communities fairly. They argue that where people live continues to determine access to investment, infrastructure and economic opportunities. The party’s Rosa Louw has raised questions whether some areas are included in broader planning. She says while development frameworks are acknowledged, calls are made for clearer timelines and a more inclusive strategy:

# Forty people have drowned in France over recent days as they sought to cool down to escape a record heatwave sweeping across much of Europe. Britain, Italy, Switzerland and Spain were also sweltering in extreme heat, with record temperatures in some regions disrupting schools and transport ‌networks. Much of France is under a severe heat alert with people jumping into canals and rivers to cool off. Meteo France said current conditions were comparable to a heatwave in August 2003. It lasted 16 days and led to an estimated 800-thousand excess deaths across Europe.

# Soccer: Veteran South African coach Pitso Mosimane has called for greater planning and investment in development to secure the future of the game. He says success at major tournaments such as the World Cup is built through long-term planning, quality coaching and structured development pathways. Mosimane stresses South Africa must invest in young talent, create better opportunities and adopt a long-term vision if it hopes to remain competitive and produce future stars.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-50-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-79-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-80-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-521-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-138-dollars-25-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 76-dollars-46-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….