News 08:00

BULLETIN 12 July 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Mmusi Maimane says South Africa needs leaders, not career politicians
# Iran closes Strait of Hormuz until further notice
# And rugby: The Boks are tested by a determined Scottish team in their Nations Championships clash

# Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane says career politicians are disconnected from the realities facing ordinary South Africans. Speaking in Ekurhuleni, Maimane emphasised that BOSA prioritises party candidates with no previous political affiliation, arguing that they better understand the challenges of unemployment, poverty, and crime. He also warned that criminal networks are influencing political leaders and public institutions. He says ethical citizens must enter politics to build credible, corruption-free leadership:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the deaths of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams and former South African Under-18 rugby player Luqobo Makwedini as a tragedy for the nation. Adams was found dead yesterday morning at a property in Schotschekloof, Cape Town, and Makwedini collapsed at a club training session in France. The Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says the duo proudly represented South Africa and the country remains grateful for their achievements, and the inspiration they brought to South African sport:

# The Hawks have referred a criminal complaint against acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption for further investigation. The complaint, lodged by Public Interest South Africa, concerns alleged violations of the Public Finance Management Act linked to the controversial SAPS Medicare24 Tshwane contract. IDAC will now determine whether there are grounds for a criminal investigation. The referral comes amid ongoing scrutiny of procurement processes connected to the multi-million-rand police healthcare tender.

Meanwhile, the Activists and Citizens Forum has called for the immediate suspension of the head of the Directorate, advocate Andrea Johnson, and senior investigator Sunil Bellochun. Spokesperson Dennis Bloem says allegations made before the Madlanga Commission have seriously damaged public confidence in the unit. Bloem has also renewed its call for IDAC to be disbanded, while calling for police to investigate the extortion allegations:

# The U.S. military launched strikes on Iran after it struck a ​container ship earlier today, while Tehran said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. A series of attacks between the U.S. and Iran ‌over the past several days led President Donald Trump to declare the end of a ceasefire meant to halt the fighting. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said the Strait of Hormuz is closed until further notice and until the end of America’s interventions in the region, and no vessel will be permitted to pass through.

# And rugby: The final score of 42 – 28 in favour of South Africa against a feisty Scottish team in their Nations Championships clash at Loftus in Pretoria last night may have flattered them, but poor defence almost cost them the match. The half-time score was 14- all. Scrum-half Ambrose Papier, who returned to the national team after an eight-year absence, scored the Boks’ opening try. In the end, South Africa outscored Scotland by six tries to four. Handré Pollard converted all six tries and was named Man of the Match.  

Stay tuned for more news………….