News 17:00

BULLETIN 18 July 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Progressive Caucus unveils its charter for the seventh administration
# Ursula von der Leyen wins a second term as European Commission president
# And, rugby: Lukhanyo Am is excited about the Springboks’ more attacking style

# The Progressive Caucus, consisting of the MK Party, the EFF, ATM, and other smaller parties, has outlined its charter for the seventh Parliament. MK’s parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, told the media the aim is to strengthen South Africa’s democracy, holding government accountable for a corrupt-free society. He also emphasises fighting for free quality education, healthcare, housing, water, and sanitation:

# The defence team of Johannesburg student Bafana Mahungela charged with the murder of Sandton teacher Kirsten Kluyts says the case will not proceed to the High Court on 16 August. Mahungela faces charges of premeditated murder, aggravated robbery, attempted rape and sexual assault. Defense lawyer Itumeleng Masako argues the National Prosecuting Authority has not disclosed final investigations, including DNA findings:

# Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, has pledged continued support for the automotive sector. After visiting the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone in Pretoria, Maile highlighted a 24-billion-rand investment that established a manufacturing zone, creating three-thousand-500 jobs. Ford Motor Company’s investment of up to 16-billion-rand also increased production capacity, with more investments planned for hybrid vehicles. Maile says these investments create jobs and bolster Gauteng’s manufacturing capacity.

# European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has won a second five-year term that she promised would see the EU bolstering its defence capability, strengthening its industry and tackling a housing crisis. The former German Defence minister, who became the first woman leader of the commission in 2019, had presented herself as the best and most experienced captain to steer the commission. But it wasn’t easy. The EU’s 27 leaders fiercely debated her candidacy in June before putting her name forward.

# Rugby: Centre Lukhanyo Am looks forward to starting for the Springboks for the first time in almost a year. He will play in the midfield alongside André Esterhuizen in Saturday’s Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein. It will be his first Test since August last year when he suffered a knee injury against Argentina. Am is excited about the more attacking style of rugby that the Springboks are trying to play:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-16-cents and the euro at 19-rand-84-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-58-cents and Bitcoin trades at 65-thousand-238-dollars-64-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-462-dollars-4-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 84-dollars-99-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….