News 18:00

BULLETIN 17 July 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA condemns the EFF and the MK Party for advocating destructive policies
# Home Affairs plans to introduce new smart IDs with enhanced security measures
# And, tennis: Nadal surprises by entering the US Open

# The DA has criticised the EFF and MK Party for advocating destructive policies like abolishing the constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. They argue that these proposals threaten South Africa’s democratic foundations and progress. During a media briefing, party leader John Steenhuisen said the DA’s role in the government of national unity is crucial, in opposing these radical forces and ensuring governance that promotes national unity and progress:  

# 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.

# UK’s King Charles has announced a bill to establish Great British Energy during the State Opening of Parliament. Addressing the current cabinet, led by prime minister Keir Starmer, at Westminster, the king emphasised the climate challenge and job creation potential from future technologies. He says his government is committed to a clean energy transition, to lower consumer energy costs, while a bill will support sustainable aviation fuel production:

# China says it had suspended negotiations with the United States on nuclear non-proliferation and arms control in response to Washington’s weapons sales to Taiwan. The US and China in November held rare talks on nuclear arms control, part of a bid to ease mistrust ahead of a summit between leaders Joe Biden and Xi Jinping. But China’s Foreign Ministry said today recent US sales of arms to self-ruled Taiwan were seriously undermining the political atmosphere for continued arms control consultations between the two sides.

# Tennis: Rafael Nadal doesn’t seem willing to end his illustrious career just yet. The 38-year-old Spaniard, with 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, has entered the US Open, starting in New York on the 26th of next month. Many expected Nadal to announce his retirement after playing at the Olympic Games in Paris, but he has been included in the US Open draw thanks to his protected ranking. An injury kept the four-time champion away from Flushing Meadows last year.

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-20-cents and the euro at 19-rand-20-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-90-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-935-dollars-97-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-465-dollars-13-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 84-dollars-15-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….