News 08:00

BULLETIN 26 July 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Firoz Cachalia begins the rollout of National Police Reset Agenda
# Julius Malema promises accountable and functional municipalities
# And thousands take part in the 702 Jozi My Jozi Walk the Talk today

# The government has officially launched the implementation of its National Police Reset Agenda, targeting 140 high-crime police stations across the country. Speaking at a meeting with provincial Community Safety MECs in Mpumalanga, acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia said the precincts will receive enhanced resources, infrastructure upgrades and stricter oversight. He says the reforms will strengthen crime intelligence, detective services and community policing to combat organised crime and rebuild police-public confidence: 

# EFF president Julius Malema says there can be no real freedom without municipalities that deliver basic services. Launching the party’s 2026 Local Government Manifesto in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, Malema pledged to build corruption-free municipalities that restore dignity to communities. The manifesto includes practical commitments to improve water, electricity, roads and healthcare. He stressed that local government should be judged by service delivery and the daily lives of ordinary South Africans:

# A new mining industry study warns South Africa must fast-track mining modernisation to remain globally competitive. A consultant at the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability, Ashleigh Muller, says ageing infrastructure, skills shortages and slow technology adoption are weakening the sector. She says stronger collaboration between government, industry and research institutions, increased investment in innovation, and faster adoption of advanced technologies is vital to secure the future of South Africa’s mining industry:

# The Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West has signed a Distribution Agency Agreement with Eskom to help address its 1.7-billion-rand debt to the power utility. Under the agreement, Eskom will receive electricity revenue first through a structured repayment plan. National Cabinet Representative Kopung Ralikontsane says the municipality has struggled to service its debt and relied heavily on equitable share funding. Some residents and businesses have cautiously welcomed the move, hoping it will improve electricity supply and financial stability.

# Commonwealth Games: Team South Africa surged ahead last night with stellar performances in the swimming events. Pieter Coetze captured South Africa’s second gold medal, shattering the Games record with an electrifying 24.18-second finish in the Men’s 50m backstroke final. Teammate Ruard van Renen claimed bronze in the same race. Earlier, Nathan Hendricks won South Africa’s first gold. The 20-year-old won the 100-metres freestyle in the S13 class in a time of 54.54 seconds.

# And finally: Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Johannesburg from early this morning for the 702 Jozi My Jozi Walk the Talk. The annual event, hosted by the City of Johannesburg, features five, eight and 15-kilometre routes through the inner city, celebrating community, wellness and urban renewal. Organisers say the event also supports initiatives assisting homeless people through the Mi-Change programme, while participants are encouraged to rediscover and reclaim the heart of Johannesburg together.

Stay tuned for more news………….