News 07:00

BULLETIN 15 August 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is ‘deeply ashamed’ of the attacks on foreign nationals
# The GOOD Party calls for the Madlanga commission to become a permanent watchdog
# And rugby: The Griquas thump the Sharks in Kimberley

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is deeply ashamed of attacks on foreign nationals. His remarks come amid concerns over attacks targeting migrants and other foreign nationals. Speaking ahead of the Southern African Development Community leaders’ meeting in Durban, Ramaphosa said violence and xenophobia have no place in South Africa, and the government is committed to protecting everyone who lives within the borders:

# The Freedom Front Plus says Afrikaans education and privately funded institutions should not be seen as a form of oppression. The party was responding to comments by former Higher Education and Training minister Naledi Pandor about the Afrikaans University Akademia. The FF Plus’s Wynand Boshoff says privately funded Afrikaans education is a legitimate choice. Boshoff argues the government should focus on fixing problems at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme instead:

# The GOOD Party says the Madlanga commission should become a permanent national police integrity tribunal to investigate corruption and alleged links between law enforcement and organised crime. GOOD secretary-general Brett Herron says the commission has shown the value of open investigations and believes similar scrutiny is needed in Cape Town, where communities have long raised concerns about alleged police and gang collusion:

# The Drinks Federation of South Africa says illicit alcohol now accounts for about 18-percent of alcohol sold in the country, with the illegal market worth more than 25-billion-rand. A study by Euromonitor indicates that the illicit market has grown by 55-percent since 2017, while the government lost about 17-billion-rand in excise revenue in 2024. The federation says lower prices are driving demand for illegal alcohol despite health risks. It is urging the government, law enforcement and the industry to work together to tackle the problem.

# Rescuers in Colombia raced against time to save a man found alive beneath a collapsed hotel, nearly four days after a powerful earthquake struck the country. The 7.4-magnitude quake killed at least 285 people and injured nearly four-thousand, while almost 400 remain missing. Rescue teams are working through rubble in Pereira, hoping others may still be alive. The disaster has damaged tens of thousands of homes and forced many into shelters. Continuing aftershocks are complicating rescue efforts. The earthquake is also a major test for President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office only days before the disaster.

# And rugby: Defending champions Griquas have strengthened their position at the top of the Currie Cup log after a commanding 55-21 win over the Sharks in Kimberley. The Sharks led 21-19 late in the first half, but the Griquas took control after the break, scoring five unanswered tries. Dylan Maart and replacement hooker Tiaan Lange both completed hat-tricks, while the Griquas’ powerful maul proved decisive. The victory leaves the defending champions on the brink of securing a playoff place, with their position at the top of the log also strengthened.

Stay tuned for more news………….