News 18:00

BULLETIN 12 July 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA in Gauteng calls for expanded charges in the Life Esidimeni tragedy
# The Basic Education minister pledges support to the families of the Carletonville accident victims
# And, rugby: Three changes to Province’s forward pack for the Currie Cup clash with the Cheetahs

# DA Gauteng Health spokesperson Jack Bloom is urging the addition of charges in the Life Esidimeni case, including against former premier David Makhura. Following the High Court in Pretoria’s ruling this week, Bloom believes former Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and Mental Health director Makgabo Manemela should face culpable homicide charges, along with violations of health regulations and fraud. He emphasises the need for swift justice for the victims and affected families.

# Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube has assured support for schools and families affected by the Carletonville accident that claimed eleven learners’ lives. Parents are identifying the bodies as DNA diagnosis begins for those burned beyond recognition. During her visit to Rocklands Primary School, who lost ten learners, Gwarube emphasised prioritising learner transport and infrastructure. She also calls for swift investigations into the accident:

# The European Union says tech billionaire Elon Musk’s X platform is misleading users with its blue checkmarks for certified accounts, and is also violating content rules. Regulators are unhappy with the blue badge system under Musk’s ownership since anyone can now obtain it with a premium subscription, whereas before it was reserved for verified accounts. X becomes the third company in as many weeks to face the EU’s wrath for violating landmark new rules, after Brussels warned Apple and Meta to change their ways or risk massive fines.

# Rugby: There are three changes to Western Province’s forward pack for tomorrow’s Currie Cup clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. The backline that started against the Bulls last week remains unchanged. Hendré Stassen and Paul de Villiers both start on the flank, while Connor Evans moves to the second row in place of injured Adré Smith. The only changes among the replacements see flank CJ Velleman joined by André-Hugo Venter, who will be covering loose forward this weekend. Kick-off is at five minutes to two.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-97-cents and the euro at 19-rand-60-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-33-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-861-dollars-33-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-410-dollars-15-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-84-cents a barrel.

# And finally, Tax Consulting South Africa has warned of possible scams during this tax filing season. Tax Team Compliance and Processing manager, Nicholas Botha, says scammers use sophisticated tactics, impersonating SARS officials, sending fake emails with outstanding tax payment notices. Botha explained to Newzroom Afrika these emails, mimicking SARS’ logo and formatting, request taxpayers to pay an outstanding amount. He urges taxpayers to contact SARS directly to verify any claims:

Stay tuned for more news………….