News 18:00

BULLETIN 1 August 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC defends its role in the government of national unity and rejects Helen Zille’s coalition claims
# Solidarity urges continued talks with Media24 to protect journalists
# And, a Women’s month campaign is going to review the socio-economic progress since democracy

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has dismissed DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille’s claims that the government of national unity is a coalition between the DA and the ANC. He briefed the media as the party convenes its three-day national executive committee meeting in Ekurhuleni. Mbalula says the ANC remains central to the government of national unity and no government decisions can occur without its involvement: 

# Trade union Solidarity urges Media24 to continue talks to protect journalists amid the retention of 66 editorial positions. Following public and media pressure, Media24 will continue to run Beeld and Volksblad digitally. Solidarity’s Johan Roos says the union will continue negotiating the retrenchment process and demands transparency and fairness for affected members. He calls for continued discussions to ensure legal compliance and achieve the best outcomes for their members: 

# National Treasury is set to unveil proposed amendments to financial market regulations by the end of 2024. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority highlights that the new rules will focus on over-the-counter derivatives and enhance transparency in unlisted market activities. Treasury aims to address current legislative gaps and align with global best practices. Treasury says drafting is nearing completion, with a consultation phase expected to begin before year-end.

# Olympic Games: Tonight’s medal race in the 200-metre breaststroke might be the final one of the current golden girl of South African swimming, Tatjana Smith. The 27-year-old said recently she no longer wants to be defined by her achievements and that there’s life after swimming. Smith already clinched gold in the 100-metres breaststroke in Paris after winning gold and silver in Japan. She and compatriot Kaylene Corbett are both gunning for a medal, as well as Pieter Coetzé in the men’s 200-metre backstroke.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-11-cents and the euro at 19-rand-59-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-26-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-577-dollars-19-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-451-dollars-3-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-96-cents a barrel.

# And finaly, the ministry for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities says this year’s women’s month campaign will review socio-economic progress made since the advent of democracy. Under the theme of celebrating 30 years of democracy towards women’s development, the campaign will highlight increased female representation in Parliament and senior management roles. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says it will also focus on tackling gender-based violence and past missteps to further gender equality and women’s empowerment: 

Stay tuned for more news………….