News 18:00

BULLETIN 8 July 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Western Cape schools will open amid weather concerns
# Community policing forums urge minister Mchunu to implement crime-fighting strategies to address crime
# And, rugby: Rassie Erasmus warns that Ireland will come out firing in Durban

# The Western Cape Education Department is set for the third school term as learners return tomorrow, despite the adverse weather in the province. Spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirms that all schools will open, though individual closures may be considered due to road accessibility issues. Hammond confirmed that 29 schools have reported damage, with three in the West Coast area facing significant roof damage. She has called on learners to prepare for a wet start and to exercise caution:

# Community policing forums have asked Police minister Senzo Mchunu to implement effective crime-fighting strategies to address rampant crime in South Africa. CPFs demand increased police visibility in high-crime areas, better staffing and resources at police stations, and improved response times. A report by the Institute for Security Studies highlighted a 53-percent rise in murders since 2012 and low police performance in solving cases. The institute’s Gareth Newham urges Mchunu to focus on reducing firearm crime and violence and improve police management and disciplinary systems.

# Gautrain management has warned against property destruction as NUMSA-affiliated workers picket outside its depot. The workers are demanding a 13-percent wage increase, guaranteed bonuses, 60-percent medical aid contribution, a two-thousand-rand monthly housing allowance, and overtime pay. CEO Tshepo Kgobe told Newzroom Afrika they are working on a resolution and exploring new service propositions, emphasising the agency’s willingness to find an amicable solution:

# Doctors Without Borders and the Health Justice Initiative have welcomed Johnson & Johnson’s decision to withdraw secondary patents in South Africa on the lifesaving TB drug Bedaquiline. MSF says this will increase access to affordable Bedaquiline, benefiting thousands affected by tuberculosis. The drug’s price has dropped by about 40-percent. The organisation calls it a landmark victory, ensuring widespread access and allowing the South African government to purchase the necessary volumes to provide treatment for everyone, including those in rural areas.

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expressed relief at getting past Ireland for the first time in his coaching reign. After three losses to the Irish, the Boks delivered a satisfying 27-20 victory at Loftus Versfeld. The two sides will meet again in Durban on Saturday where Ireland will try to draw the series, while South Africa will be fighting for a clean sweep. Erasmus warns the visitors will come out firing at Kings Park:

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-11-cents and the euro at 19-rand-64-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-27-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-51-dollars-94-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-376-dollars-56-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-94-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….