News 13:00

BULLETIN 25 July 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA challenges Ramaphosa’s 26 May speech in the Electoral Court
# The president is to receive the first State of Climate Action Report
# And, cricket: Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the West Indies tour

# The DA is appearing before the Electoral Court today in a case against president Cyril Ramaphosa, following his speech to the nation shortly before the May election. The DA’s Karabo Khakhau says the party contends the president’s speech contained content to advance the ANC’s prospects in the election. Khakhau says the DA argues this was an abuse of a state institution for party political purposes. Amongst other things, this violated the Electoral code of conduct which Ramaphosa was bound to uphold.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa will receive the first State of Climate Action Report from the Presidential Climate Commission in Johannesburg today. The report provides a detailed analysis of the impacts of climate change and South Africa’s progress towards limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celcius. It also highlights successes and areas needing improvement, particularly the livelihoods of those most affected by climate transition. The commission aims to inform policymakers and the public of urgent steps needed to mitigate climate change effects.

# Gauteng police are warning all Uber and Bolt drivers not to accept any requests or pick ups from Eldorado Park. This follows a voice note circulating on social media about allegations that uber and bolt drivers will be harmed. Police spokesperson Fezeka Khobo says this has been brought about by an incident two weeks ago where three men were shot by an Uber driver while they were trying to rob him:

# Lesotho prime minister Sam Matekane has called for humanitarian assistance as 700-thousand people face extreme hunger. Spokesperson Thapeli Mabote reports that a national food insecurity disaster has been declared until March 2025. Mabote told Newzroom Afrika the severe El Nino drought is a contributing factor. He says Lesotho urgently needs 1.2-billion-rand to address the crisis:

# Cricket: Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of next month’s two-match Test series against the West Indies due to a left side strain. The 23-year-old sustained the injury while playing for Texas Super Kings in the Major League Cricket earlier this month. The uncapped fast bowler Migael Pretorius has been named as his replacement. The first Test will start in Trinidad and Tobago on the seventh of next month.

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-48-cents and the euro at 20-rand-4-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-81-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-359-dollars-20-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-373-dollars-17-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-60-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….