News 08:00

BULLETIN 22 June 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# OUTA urges Ramaphosa to reshape the Cabinet for better governance
# The UDM joins the government of national unity
# And, rugby: The Springbok captain is excited over the clash against Wales

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse urges president Cyril Ramaphosa to carefully consider new Cabinet appointments for effective change. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage calls for a streamlined cabinet to enhance efficiency and fiscal management, including transparency and accountability in governance.  The organisation denounces the potential reappointment of certain ministers, including Blade Nzimande, Sindisiwe Chikunga and Gwede Mantashe, citing ongoing inefficiencies and corruption in their respective departments:

# The UDM has agreed to join the government of national unity following a meeting with the ANC. Before joining the government of national unity, the party had aligned itself with the Progressive Caucus in Parliament. The party proposed a technical committee to scrutinise policies and consider manifestoes from all parliamentary parties. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa urges collaboration across Parliament to enact meaningful change for South Africa:

# The High Court in Pretoria has set aside with costs former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s application to jail her successor, Kholeka Gcaleka, for alleged contempt. Judge Nicoline Janse van Nieuwenhuizen ruled the application is irregular and criticised Mkhwebane’s defamatory allegations. The judge disagreed with Mkhwebane’s right to push for imprisonment as part of her campaign for a ten-million-rand gratuity. Mkhwebane has ten-days to file an amended notice if she wishes to proceed.

# Qatar says it was continuing mediation efforts to bridge the gap between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held there. The emirate, with the United States and Egypt, has been engaged in months of negotiations over details for a ceasefire in Gaza. But except for a seven-day pause beginning in November, which led to the release of more than 100 hostages, there has been no break in the fighting.

# And, rugby: Springbok captain Pieter-Steph du Toit is anticipating a tough challenge from Wales as they kick off their 2024 season at Twickenham today. Du Toit, leading the team for the second time, acknowledges the significance of facing Wales, having made his test debut against them. Despite the Springboks’ recent successes, including consecutive Rugby World Cup titles, Du Toit warns of Wales’ physicality and resilience:

Stay tuned for more news………….