News 11:00

BULLETIN 24 August 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A political analyst warns factional battles may hinder the ANC’s execution of election promises
# Iran threatens to retaliate against America’s economic war
# And Akani Simbine, Pieter Coetzé and Prudence Sekgodiso take top honours at the SA Sport Awards

# Political analyst Ongama Mtimka has likened the ANC’s current position to that of a sports coach with excellent game analysis, but lacking the organisational firepower to execute the on-field strategy. The party’s manifesto sets out six key priorities aimed at rebuilding public trust, including addressing critical service delivery challenges. Mtimka told Newzroom Afrika while it outlines a desire for ethical, capable leadership, the reality of candidate shortlisting tells a different story:

Meanwhile, Constitutional law expert professor Pierre de Vos says the problem with the Coalition Bill is that it targets the symptoms instead of the root cause of governance dysfunction and instability in local government. The bill seeks to provide a legislative framework for the formation of coalition governments. In an opinion piece for News24, De Vos says the bill contains vague and difficult-to-enforce provisions that will lead to a flurry of litigation. He suggests a change to the electoral system to try to create a system with fewer malfunctioning political parties.

# Acting minister of Police Firoz Cachalia says those who financed and benefited from the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran must be brought to justice. Yesterday marked five years since she was gunned down outside her Johannesburg home for uncovering widespread looting at Tembisa hospital. The Special Investigating Unit has linked the corruption to at least three co-ordinated syndicates and businessmen Hangwani Maumela and Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala. Cachalia says the Hawks assured him the investigation is continuing:

Moving abroad:

# Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, has warned if the US expands its economic war, Tehran is prepared to target American oil companies and other economic interests in the region. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce new sanctions against Iran today. Rezaei has also threatened that Tehran would target alternative routes used to export oil from the Gulf. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have expanded routes to export their oil via ports in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

On to sports news:

# Olympic silver medallist sprinter Akani Simbine was named Sport Star of the Year at the South African Sport Awards held in North West. Swimmer Pieter Coetze and middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso won Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, respectively. Sportsman of the Year with a Disability went to Puseletso Mabote, with Simoné Kruger claiming the women’s category. Olympic silver medallist Bayanda Walaza won Junior Sport Star of the Year. Team of the Year went to the Proteas Men’s cricket Test side.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-98-cents and the euro at 18-rand-66-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-80-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-517-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-645-dollars-60-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 93-dollars-71-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….