18:00 News

BULLETIN 30 July 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The EFF says its 2026 manifesto offers a new vision for local government
# Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s co-accused, Musa Kekana, alleges an assault by police left him coughing blood
# And, ActionSA is encouraged by the new Western Cape Police Commissioner’s commitment to prioritising gang violence

# The EFF says its 2026 local government election manifesto offers a new vision for municipalities focused on improving service delivery, creating jobs and fighting corruption. The party has vowed to prioritise reliable water and electricity, insource key municipal services, support local businesses through procurement, expand housing and healthcare, and strengthen law enforcement. EFF leader Julius Malema urged eligible South Africans to register to vote during this weekend’s final voter registration drive:

# Accused number one, Musa Kekana, in the Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala trial claims police tortured him after his arrest in April 2024. In the High Court in Johannesburg, Kekana alleged that he was assaulted until he coughed and spat blood. His lawyer, Riaan Gissing, wants evidence and statements made after his arrest excluded from the trial, arguing they were obtained through torture. However, the arresting officer, Pimi Alfred Sekgobela, has denied assaulting Kekana and says he was cooperating with police.

# ActionSA says the appointment of Sizakhele Dyantyi as the new Western Cape Police Commissioner presents an opportunity to restore confidence in policing and strengthen the fight against organised crime. He brings 34 years of policing experience to the role, having served in a range of operational and leadership positions in both the Eastern and Western Cape. ActionSA’s Cape Town mayoral candidate, Dereleen James, says they are encouraged by Dyantyi’s commitment to prioritising gang violence and trust that his experience will translate into decisive action:

# The DA says the Gauteng government is spending more than 230-million-rand a year on rented education district offices while schools face severe budget cuts. DA spokesperson Michael Waters questioned why government-owned buildings are not being used instead of private leases. Waters says the spending comes as some schools struggle to pay municipal bills and keep services running. He proposes a government buildings first policy to reduce costs:

# Rugby: Samoa is reportedly facing a ban from World Rugby after the country’s government withdrew all recognition and financial support for its rugby union. Goverment says the governing body, Lakapi Samoa, had been given sufficient time to resolve internal issues and division affecting its administration. According to Samoan Observer, World Rugby has given the Samoan government 24 hours to reconsider its decision and accept a proposed review, or risk a four-year suspension from international rugby.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-52-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-3-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-18-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-738-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-90-dollars-13-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 91-dollars-70-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….