News 17:00

BULLETIN 8 August 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina withdraws from the pageant
# The MK Party fires over 20 MPs 
# And, rugby: Two debutants are included in the Wallabies’ match-day squad for the Test against the Boks

# Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina has withdrawn from the competition, citing concerns for her family’s safety. The 23-year-old law student announced her decision on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the journey and support from the Miss South Africa organisation. Adetshina faced scrutiny over her eligibility due to her parents descent. The Department of Home Affairs is investigating identity theft allegations involving her mother, but Adetshina has been cleared of any involvement.

# The MK Party has dismissed more than 20 members of Parliament, leaving many surprised and angry. According to News24, disgruntled MPs, who were surprised by the move, claim it’s an effort by party leaders to replace longstanding members with their own allies. National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza has confirmed receiving termination notices from the party’s chief whip, Sihle Ngubane. Some members also believe party leader Jacob Zuma was not informed about the decision. 

# The Financial Sector Conduct Authority’s deputy commissioner, Farzana Badat, believes South Africa needs more political will to exit the grey list. She stresses the importance of demonstrating political will to meet the requirements set by the Financial Action Task Force. The country has until February to address 22 key issues identified by the task force, yet only eight have been completed so far. Badat warns that failure to meet the deadline could harm South Africa’s reputation and economy.

# The United Nation Security Council has addressed the negative impacts of abrupt peace-keeping and political mission drawdowns on women and girls’ rights. During the meeting, chaired by Sierra Leonne, the council highlighted how the UN has faced rapid transitions in countries like Mali and Sudan, where host governments forced mission withdrawals. UN Women’s Sima Bahous says it’s important for women to be included:

# Rugby: Carlo Tizzano will make his Test debut for the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday. Tizzano will start at openside, while fellow flanker Luke Reimer is also in line for a debut off the bench. Allan Alaalatoa retains the captaincy. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt says they will have to be very accurate against the Springboks:

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-36-cents and the euro at 20-rand-2-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-30-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-984-dollars-23-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-404-dollars-61-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-26-cent a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….