News 07:00

BULLETIN 30 June 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Commissioner Puleng Dimpane says the law enforcement agencies are fully prepared
# CrisisOnCall urges South Africans to prepare and not panic
# And, the UDM unveils a new leadership team

# Acting National Police Commissioner, Puleng Dimpane, says law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to safeguard the country, protect lives and property, and maintain law and order. This is ahead of planned demonstrations taking place across the country today against illegal migration. Police spokesperson, Amanda van Wyk, says Dimpane has reiterated the police’s commitment to protecting citizens’ constitutional right to protest:

CrisisOnCall, meanwhile, calls on South Africans to prioritise preparation over panic. People travelling for work or during the school holidays are urged to plan their routes carefully, avoid known protest areas where possible, and stay informed through credible news and traffic updates. The organisation’s Ruan Vermaak advised commuters to share travel plans with family or colleagues and to remain calm and leave the area if they encounter unrest:

# The ANC has begun interviewing candidates as part of its mayoral selection process ahead of the local government elections on 4 November. More than 500 nominations were received, with just over 200 candidates shortlisted for interviews across metropolitan and key municipalities. The process has begun in eThekwini and will continue in other metros and municipalities. The ANC says the exercise aims to select capable and ethical leaders to improve service delivery, with final candidates to be announced after the interview process is completed.

# The United Democratic Movement says it will now focus on campaigning ahead of the local government elections, rebuilding its local structures, and promoting clean governance and improved service delivery in municipalities. This follows the conclusion of its sixth national congress in KuGompo City, in the Eastern Cape, where the party also elected new leadership and reaffirmed its commitment to accountable and community-focused local government under its consistent, present, accountable slogan. Bantu Holomisa remains party president, with other national office bearers also elected. 

# President Donald Trump says representatives from the US and Iran will meet in Doha, Qatar, today, after agreeing to hold talks. This comes after the two countries traded attacks over the weekend. Tehran struck a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump described as foolish, and targeted American facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. In retaliation, the US military conducted strikes against Iranian military targets around the Strait, including surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defence sites, and drone storage facilities. Tehran has not confirmed that talks will take place.

# Cricket: Brendon McCullum says he has no plans of stepping down as England’s head coach. England lost the deciding Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge by 160 runs, losing the series 2-1. The Black Caps are now the first tourists to win a series of three or more Tests in the country in 14 years. For Ben Stokes, a four-year captaincy reign ends with his first home defeat. McCullum says his commitment to England has never wavered:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-44-cents and the euro at 18-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-76-cents and Bitcoin trades at 59-thousand-940-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-973-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-39-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….