News 16:00

BULLETIN 3 July 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Ntshavheni criticises Jacob Zuma over his meeting with the Gupta brothers
# The Public Protector finalises over 800 investigations during the first quarter
# And rugby: Major traffic disruptions are expected ahead of the Ellis Park clash

# Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has strongly criticised former president Jacob Zuma for meeting the Gupta brothers in India, saying it undermines South Africa’s efforts to extradite them. She was speaking after the cabinet meeting. Ntshavheni says the Guptas are fugitives wanted to face criminal charges in South Africa. Ntshavheni says government is reviewing privileges granted to former presidents:

# The Public Protector has finalised 859 investigations during the first quarter of the financial year, including 714 service delivery complaints, 102 good governance and integrity matters, and 43 early resolution cases. Of the complaints identified for resolution by way of alternative dispute resolution, 25.6-percent were finalised, along with a 54-percent implementation rate of remedial action. Spokesperson Ndili Msoki says one of the cases resolved through mediation is the Ekurhuleni refund dispute:

# Union GIWUSA says the country is being distracted by anti-immigration protests while workers continue to lose jobs and incomes. The latest Quarterly Employment figures show the country shed 80-thousand jobs in the first quarter of this year. Losses in community services and trade drove the decline. GIWUSA president Mametlwe Sebei says urgent measures are needed to create jobs, protect workers and rebuild the economy:

# The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport expects to complete the rehabilitation of the Golden Highway by mid-September. The project includes road widening, asphalt resurfacing, improved stormwater drainage, upgraded traffic signals and enhanced safety features. Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela says the upgrade will improve mobility, road safety and economic activity along the busy transport corridor. Motorists are urged to obey temporary traffic measures, while the department continues to address theft and vandalism of construction signage. 

# Rugby: The Johannesburg Metro Police Department has cautioned motorists of traffic disruptions expected around Ellis Park Stadium tomorrow due to the Springboks and England Test. Roads in New Doornfontein will be closed from tonight, with extensive closures continuing until tomorrow night. Spokesperson Xolani Fihla says officials will be deployed to manage traffic and ensure safety, while spectators are urged to to use park-and-ride shuttles to reduce congestion.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-21-cents and the euro at 18-rand-55-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-65-cents and Bitcoin trades at 61-thousand-901-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-173-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-58-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….