News 11:00

BULLETIN 6 July 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# New Environment minister Dion George focuses on energy financing
# Minister Lamola and Blinken discuss key global issues during a courtesy call
# And, rugby: Cheslin Kolbe says the Boks can’t wait to take on Ireland

# New minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment Dion George has mapped out his priorities in office, including climate change and evergy financing. George, who replaced now Transport minister Barbara Creecy, praised her legacy in the portfolio. He seeks to ensure a seamless transition to a low-carbon economy, and job-generating growth. George underscores the importance of sustainable development for South Africa’s economic future:

# The Competition Commission will not prosecute Johnson-and-Johnson and its subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceutica, for alleged anti-competitive conduct. This relates to the tuberculosis drug Bedaquiline. Following extensive discussions, the companies agreed not to enforce the Bedaquiline patent in 134 low-and middle-income countries, including South Africa. The companies also reduced the drug’s price by 40-percent for the Department of Health. The commission says it remains vigilant on pharmaceutical secondary patenting practices.

# Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and US secretary of State Antony Blinken have committed to expand their bilateral relations to enhance global peace and security. Speaking during a courtesy call from Blinken, the duo also discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine and the Gaza conflict, emphasising the need for an immediate ceasefire. The ministers also reaffirmed the importance of US-South Africa cooperation, particularly on the Atlanta Phambili initiative.

# France’s Interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, has revealed more than 50 candidates and activists have come under physical attack in the run-up to tomorrow’s tense final round of parliamentary elections. In the latest incidents, government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot, her deputy, Virginie Lanlo, and a party activist were brutally assaulted as they put up election posters in Meudon, south-west of Paris. Analysts say the spate of assaults across France reflects the mood during campaigning in an election the far-right National Rally is poised to win.

# And, rugby: A huge battle is expected in Pretoria this afternoon when the top two sides in the world rankings, South Africa and Ireland, clash at Loftus Versfeld. The Boks only lost to the Irish during last year’s triumphant World Cup campaign, and want to set the record straight. They aren’t taking any chances and has named a very strong side full of World Cup winners. Wing Cheslin Kolbe says they are ready for a massive contest:

Stay tuned for more news………….