News 09:00

BULLETIN 25 July 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The evidence leader at Madlanga Commission questions Suliman Carrim’s doctor’s independent assessment
# President Cyril Ramaphosa pays tribute to the anti-apartheid stalwart Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie
# And, Commonwealth Games: Nathan Hendricks wins South Africa’s first gold medal in swimming

# Madlanga Commission evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim has questioned the medical evidence supporting North West businessman Suliman Carrim’s application to postpone his testimony. Hassim told the Commission that professional medical guidelines discourage treating doctors from providing independent assessments of a patient’s fitness to participate in legal proceedings. She argued that an independent medical evaluation would be more appropriate to determine Carrim’s ability to testify before the Commission:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the passing of anti-apartheid activist Shantavothie “Shanthie” Naidoo Tweedie at the age of 91. Ramaphosa described her as a hero who dedicated her life to the struggle for a free and non-racial South Africa. Naidoo Tweedie endured detention, solitary confinement, banning orders and imprisonment for refusing to testify against Winnie Mandela and other ANC members. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says her legacy, will continue to inspire South Africans to uphold equality and justice:

# Eskom has extended its public consultation process regarding the City of Johannesburg’s electricity debt until 22 August. The city has paid more than 4.3-billion-rand since May, however it still owes 3.8-billion-rand in overdue debt. The city has pledged to pay more than 5.1-billion-rand by 21 August to avoid electricity supply interruptions. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says it is reviewing public submissions while monitoring the city’s compliance with its payment commitments:

# The City of Cape Town has stepped up its crackdown on illegal dumping, impounding 247 vehicles over the past year, a 133-percent increase from the previous year. Offenders face a two-thousand-500-rand fine and vehicle impoundment fees. Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says many dumping incidents are linked to unlawful land occupations, where rubble is used to prepare land for illegal structures:

# Dis-Chem co-founder Ivan Saltzman has resigned as a non-executive director with immediate effect, ending nearly five decades of leadership at South Africa’s leading pharmacy retailer. Saltzman, who founded the company with his wife Lynette in 1978, had already stepped down as an executive director in June after serving as chief executive until 2023. His departure marks the final stage of the retailer’s leadership transition as Dis-Chem continues under its current executive team.

# And, Commonwealth Games: Nathan Hendricks won South Africa’s first gold medal in the pool at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games last night. The 20-year-old won the 100-metres freestyle in the S13 class in a time of 54.54-seconds. From the moment he dived in, it was clear that Hendricks would be hard to beat. Hendricks said it was his first medal at a senior international competition, and he is still in shock. Stephen Clegg from Scotland was second in 55.16-seconds, and Matthew Redfern from England was third in 56.86-seconds.

Stay tuned for more news………….