News 17:00

BULLETIN 17 July 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Home Affairs plans to introduce new smart IDs with enhanced security measures
# Several Western Cape dams rise above 100-percent capacity following severe storms
# And, rugby: Phepsi Buthelezi says there are many leaders in the Springbok squad

# South Africans are set to get new refreshed smart identity documents and passports. According to Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber, the updated documents will feature enhanced security measures to combat fraud and build international trust. Smart IDs were introduced in 2013 to replace green ID books, which are still in use. Schreiber made this announcement during his budget vote, but did not specify the introduction date or the exact features.

# Western Cape dam levels have risen to an average of 87.5-percent following severe storms. The Department of Water and Sanitation reported several dams above 100-percent capacity, including Berg River and Buffeljags. Cape Town’s dams increased by 20-percent in a week, now at 95.2-percent. Despite the rain, Cape Town Water and Sanitation mayoral committee member Zahid Badroodien urges water conservation, emphasising investment in desalination and groundwater projects. The Weather Service predicts more rain, with a yellow level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall and damaging winds.

# A survey by the Human Sciences Research Council confirms that over two-thirds of South African agribusinesses implemented innovative activities between 2019 and 2021, despite Covid-19 disruptions. The South African Agricultural Business Innovation Survey revealed that 63-percent of businesses undertook process innovations, while 38.5-percent pursued product innovations. Survey lead Yasser Buchana highlighted the resilience and adaptability of these businesses, emphasising their crucial role in maintaining food security.

# UK’s King Charles has called on his government to strengthen British borders and ensure safer streets. This initiative aims to combat organised crime, including human trafficking, guns, and drugs, and prioritising community protection. In his State Opening of Parliament address at Westminster, he announced a bill to modernise the asylum and immigration system and the establishment of a new border security command:

# Rugby: Loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi is one of seven debutants included in the Springbok squad for Saturday’s first ever Test against Portugal, played in Bloemfontein. The 25-year-old is included in the starting line-up at flank. Buthelezi has been in leadership roles at the Junior Springboks and the Sharks and says he is impressed with the way that leadership is shared at the Springboks:

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-17-cents and the euro at 19-rand-18-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-69-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-906-dollars-92-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-472-dollars-13-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 84-dollars-15-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….