News 17:00

BULLETIN 4 July 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A cabinet lekgotla is to outline the seventh administration’s priorities
# The NPA withdraws charges against Jub Jub
# And rugby: Beauden Barrett starts on the bench in the All Blacks’ first Test against England

# Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has outlined that the seventh administration’s priorities will include aligning political party requirements with the objectives of the national development plan. This alignment ensures coherence and focus in government policy and action across diverse political interests. Briefing the media, Ntshavheni says the transition from the sixth to the seventh administration has been completed with the swearing-in of new ministers and deputy ministers:

# The National Prosecuting Authority has withdrawn all charges against TV presenter and rapper Molemo Katlego Maarohanye, known as Jub Jub. Gauteng regional spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, says after careful consideration of the case, the prosecutor’s report, and defence submissions, the director of Public Prosecution found insufficient evidence. She says the charges, including rape and attempted murder, stemmed from allegations made by Jub Jub’s ex-girlfriend and other women:

# The Fuel Retailers Association says fuel retailers reported losses due to confusion from a delayed fuel price announcement. The Department of Minerals and Petroleum released the statement late Tuesday, stating new prices effective today, instead of a Wednesday as usual. The association’s CEO, Reggie Sibiya, says some retailers prematurely adjusted prices, leading to financial losses. Fuel prices dropped for the second consecutive month, with petrol and diesel prices seeing notable decreases. Sibiya urges timely announcements in future to avoid losses.

# Motorists can now recharge their e-tags for use at toll plazas without paying off their Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project e-toll debt. Sanral confirmed e-tags were de-linked from open road tolling on April 12. All funds on the e-tag account are now used only for toll plaza transactions or parking payments. The historic e-toll debt, totaling 43-billion, remains unresolved. Gauteng agreed to contribute 30-percent to settle Sanral’s debt, while the national government will cover 70-percent. Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage supports the move towards electronic tolling.

# Rugby: New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has chosen star flyhalf Beauden Barrett on the bench for Saturday’s first Test against England in Dunedin, and gave Damian McKenzie the number ten-jersey. McKenzie’s half-back partner will be TJ Perenara, who returns for the first time since rupturing his Achilles tendon in 2022. Barrett’s brother, Scott, will make his debut as captain of New Zealand, who features eight players that started in their World Cup final loss to the Springboks in October.  

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-30-cents and the euro at 19-rand-76-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-34-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-147-dollars-45-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-357-dollars-98-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 87-dollars-6-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….