News 11:00

BULLETIN 18 July 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Operational and Intelligence Structure is confident of the security measures for Parliament’s opening
# The Justice minister is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Zondo commission
# And JD Vance accepts his nomination as the American Republican Party’s vice presidential candidate

# The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure says it will have zero tolerance towards threats, intimidation, and lawlessness during the opening of Parliament at the Cape Town City Hall this evening. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address will outline the key priorities and policies of the seventh administration under the government of national unity. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says law enforcement agencies are already on the ground and are ready to deliver a safe and secure event:

# Justice and Constitutional Development minister Thembi Nkadimeng says her department will continue to redouble efforts in the fight against corruption. A total of 628-million-rand of the department’s budget is earmarked for implementing recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force and the state capture commission. Nkadimeng says the establishment of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption with criminal investigative powers will enhance the justice system’s integrity and effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Action Society is proposing constitutional amendments to decentralise the National Prosecuting Authority, allowing provinces to establish their prosecuting authorities. The organisation argues the current centralised structure limits efficiency and responsiveness to local needs. They have requested a meeting with minister Nkadimeng to discuss their proposals. The organisation’s Juanita du Preez says by devolving prosecutorial powers to provinces, the justice system would benefit from specialised local knowledge, quicker case resolutions, and improved accountability:

# Former US president Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, has officially accepted the nomination at the Republican national convention in Milwaukee. At 39 he is hoping to become one of the youngest vice-presidents in US history. In his first formal speech, Vance said Trump represents America’s last best hope to restore what it has lost under president Joe Biden’s administration. He adds the country needs leaders who will put America first:

# Rugby: All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made eleven changes to his starting lineup for the Test against Fiji in San Diego on Saturday. Six uncapped players have been selected in the squad, with Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor starting, and five on the bench. The lineup also includes an all-new front row of props Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell, and hooker Asafo Aumua. Meanwhile, Fiji head coach Mick Byrne has made seven changes to his 23-man squad.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-15-cents and the euro at 19-rand-85-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-60-cents and Bitcoin trades at 94-thousand-969-dollars-84-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-472-dollars-72-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-65-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….