News 11:00

BULLETIN 28 August 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa’s former political adviser is issued a notice from the Madlanga Commission
# Netanyahu and Eisenkot are ready to form their own governments, despite exit polls pointing to a tie
# And rugby: The experienced Kurtley Beale receives a Wallabies recall for the Nations Championship

# President Cyril Ramaphosa’s former political adviser and current member of the ANC’s national executive council, Bejani Chauke, has been served with a Rule 10.6 notice by the Madlanga Commission. He is required to explain his relationship with the late Mpumalanga taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi and their extensive WhatsApp exchanges. Chauke’s name emerged during the commission’s investigation into Msibi’s cellphone records, which revealed links between him, police officers and high-profile officials. Chauke has ten days to respond to the notice.

Meanwhile, acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia has welcomed the first workshop of the National Police Advisory Council, which will help guide law enforcement policy and reforms. The 14-member council will advise the minister and the national police commissioner on ways to improve the service. Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi says urgent reforms are needed amid high crime levels and concerns raised at the Madlanga Commission, which have weakened public trust in police:

# Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says voting for smaller parties could open the door for the ANC and EFF to take over the metro. A recent eNCA and MarkData poll put the DA at 52.6-percent, while News24 and Sabi Strategy Group place it at 56.1-percent. However, several parties appealing to coloured voters could make it a tight contest. Hill-Lewis says there is no such thing as a safe majority if the people who support the DA stay at home:

Moving abroad:

# Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the country must establish a strong, right-wing national government, emphasising no leader should rule through the backing of Israeli Arabs, whose parties posted strong gains in yesterday’s elections. Exit polls show Netanyahu’s governing bloc tied with the opposition grouping led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot on 51 seats each, short of securing a majority. Eisenkot says they had made history while promising to ensure the people’s decision is translated into a Zionist government which is stable and good for all citizens.

# Rugby: Thirty-seven-year-old Kurtley Beale is back in the Wallabies’ squad for the first time since 2024. He is among three additions for the Nations Championship’s Northern Series. The 95-Test-capped Beale replaces Hunter Paisami, who is unavailable due to personal reasons. James Ramm is the latest uncapped prospect to receive a call-up, while Kalani Thomas is also back in the touring group. Australia will face England at Twickenham next month before taking on Scotland and Wales ahead of the championship finals in London.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-68-cents and the euro at 18-rand-54-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-15-cents and Bitcoin trades at 80-thousand-804-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-32-dollars-35-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 116-dollars-58-sents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….