News 14:00

BULLETIN 29 July 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Senzo Meyiwa’s mother attends the trial of his alleged murderers for the first time in 12 years
# A court settlement strengthens child protection in schools
# And heavy snow disrupts travel in parts of the Eastern Cape

# The trial of the alleged murderers of former Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa has resumed in the High Court in Pretoria, with his mother, Ntombifuthi Meyiwa, attending proceedings for the first time in 12 years. She was accompanied by the head of AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, Gerrie Nel, who now represents the family. Meyiwa has previously said she believes those accused are not the people responsible for her son’s death. She says she remains hopeful the legal process will uncover the truth and deliver justice for Senzo.

# The Teddy Bear Foundation and SECTION27 welcome a court-approved settlement aimed at strengthening child protection in schools. The agreement requires the Department of Basic Education and provincial Education Departments to vet all employees against the National Child Protection Register by 31 March next year, and ensure unsuitable individuals are not employed in child-contact roles. The organisations’ Gillian Pillay says the measures will help safeguard children’s rights to safety, dignity and basic education while improving accountability.

# The Eastern Cape Department of Transport urges motorists to exercise extreme caution as heavy snow, rain and poor visibility continue to affect several routes across the province. Spokesperson Unathi Binqose says active snowfall has been reported on the R56 between Matatiele and Mount Fletcher, while the R58 between Lady Grey and Ekhepini is experiencing heavy snow, fog and wet road surfaces:

Moving abroad:

# Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he remains sceptical about any potential agreement with Iran. The US-Iranian 60-day memorandum of understanding signed last month, which included the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, collapsed within weeks after the two countries renewed strikes. In an interview on Fox News, Netanyahu emphasised any deal must address not only Iran’s nuclear programme, but also ballistic missiles and regional proxy activity:

# Soccer: Roberto Mancini takes charge of Italy for a second time after agreeing to succeed Gennaro Gattuso, who left in April after the country yet again failed to qualify for the World Cup. The president of the governing body, Giovanni Malago, also confirmed Claudio Ranieri would take over as technical director. Mancini coached Italy for 58 matches between 2018 to 2023, leading the team to the European Championship title in 2021. He then had coaching spells in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-73-cents and the euro at 19-rand-5-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-24-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-591-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-30-dollars-91-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 90-dollars-11-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….