News 16:00

BULLETIN 27 July 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Judges Matter says Mbenenge’s suspension follows the JSC’s precedent
# The IFP urges the swift appointment of new IDAC leadership
# And news from the Commonwealth Games: Five South African athletes qualify for the next rounds on the track

# Judicial watchdog Judges Matter says the Judicial Service Commission’s recommendation that president Cyril Ramaphosa suspend Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge is consistent with established practice. Mbenenge was found guilty of gross misconduct following sexual harassment complaints by his secretary, Andiswa Mengo. Judges Matter’s Mbekezeli Benjamin says judges facing misconduct tribunals are normally suspended to protect the integrity of the judiciary:

# The Inkatha Freedom Party says South Africa’s anti-corruption institutions must be led by people who inspire public confidence and uphold integrity, independence and professionalism. The party reacted to Andrea Johnson’s resignation as head of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption. Spokesperson Nhlanhla Hadebe calls for a transparent and speedy appointment of a new IDAC head. He urges government to strengthen the country’s criminal justice system and anti-corruption institutions:

# Union federation Cosatu wants president Ramaphosa to task the Special Investigating Unit and the Hawks to probe all Public Investment Corporation investments. Last week, the PIC experienced a wave of resignations ahead of today’s meeting scheduled by Finance minister Enoch Godongwana. This follows the suspension of CEO Patrick Dlamini and acting chief investment official August van Heerden. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says cabinet must quickly appoint a new board:

# The Department of Employment and Labour warns employers to comply with South Africa’s labour laws as it intensifies nationwide inspections. Deputy minister Jomo Sibiya says inspectors visited 114 workplaces during the first coordinated high-impact compliance blitz across all nine provinces. Only three workplaces were found to be fully compliant. Sibiya says widespread violations were uncovered, with many employers failing to comply with key labour legislation. He says further inspections will be conducted to enforce compliance.

# News from the Commonwealth Games: South Africa’s sprint sensations, Akani Simbine, Bradley Nkoana en Gift Leotlela, all advanced to the next round of the 100-metres in this morning’s first track and field numbers in Glasgow. Jacobus le Roux and Sabelo Dhlamini also qualified to go through to the next round of the 110-metres hurdles. Tonight, middle-distance favorite Prudence Sekgodiso makes her Games debut in the opening heats of the 800-metres, and in the 100-metres para-sprint events, Sheryl James and Liezel Gouws will launch their medal campaigns.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-76-cents and the euro at 19-rand-8-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-30-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-982-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-82-dollars-74-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 91-dollars-92-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….