News 12:00

BULLETIN 5 August 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# ActionSA introduces a bill to blacklist corrupt suppliers
# Donald Trump says the Strait will be reopened soon or Iran will be hit very hard
# And soccer: Government congratulates Banyana Banyana on making the WAFCON quarterfinals

# ActionSA will introduce a private member’s bill in Parliament aimed at strengthening South Africa’s public procurement system by ensuring suppliers implicated in corruption are barred from doing business with the state. The party’s Alan Beesley says the proposed Blacklist Corrupt Suppliers Bill will introduce mandatory timeframes for banning proceedings, strengthen oversight by National Treasury, and improve transparency:

# Education activist Hendrick Makaneta calls for stronger protection of teachers following the killing of a teacher while walking to school with learners in Tsakane in Brakpan, Gauteng. He says the death is not only the loss of a teacher but also of a nation-builder who dedicated his life to shaping the future of children. Makaneta urges police to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. He welcomes the psycho-social support provided by MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile, to affected learners and teachers.

# Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has reaffirmed government’s commitment to advancing gender equality and honouring women’s legacies at the inaugural Portraits of Power exhibition. It pays tribute to Charlotte Maxeke’s contribution to women’s leadership and social justice. Ntshavheni says the commitment is rooted in the Constitution and reflected in policies, programmes and partnerships. She says women across the globe are at the forefront of leadership, diplomacy, innovation and development:

Moving abroad:

# US president Donald Trump says the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened very soon, or he will have no other choice but to launch a harsh new attack on Iran. Tehran has denied it is holding direct discussions with Washington, but emphasised it is working with Oman on an arrangement to reopen the strait. The closure of the critical waterway has plunged the global energy market into turmoil. Trump says his first choice was not renewing attacks but instead pursuing a diplomatic agreement with Iran.

# Soccer: Government has congratulated Banyana Banyana on making the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. South Africa defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 courtesy of a Thembi Kgatlana winner. The semifinalists automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Government deputy spokesperson, William Baloyi, says Banyana continues to represent the country with dignity and pride, and government is committed to working with stakeholders to strengthen and advance women’s sport:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-39-cents and the euro at 18-rand-92-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-7-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-185-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-164-dollars-43-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 83-dollars-80-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….