News 17:00

BULLETIN 22 August 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ex-EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu will lead the MK Party’s organising efforts
# Cabinet supports efforts to stem illegal immigration and criminal syndicates at border posts
# And, cricket: Proteas take on the Windies in three T20s in Tarouba

# Former EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu has been appointed as the national organiser for the MK Party. In this role, Shivambu will spearhead efforts to establish and expand the party’s structures across the country. In a media briefing, secretary general Sfiso Maseko said the party aims to strengthen its political presence and prepare for future elections. He says Shivambu’s leadership will focus on organisational development and mobilising support: 

# Cabinet has expressed strong support for ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration and dismantle criminal syndicates operating at South Africa’s border posts. Addressing the media, minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said government is intensifying security measures and working closely with neighbouring countries to address these challenges. Ntshavheni also encourages continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies to effectively tackle cross-border crimes: 

# The South African Refugee Led Network Advocacy Commission has raised concerns following Tuesday’s stampede by asylum seekers at the Tshwane Refugee Reception Centre in Pretoria, in which one person was killed and at least 20 injured. The commission urges the Department of Home Affairs to implement reforms, including structured queuing systems, enhanced communication, increased security, technology integration, and community engagement. The commission has extended condolences to affected families and will offer emotional support to those impacted by the tragedy.

# Everest Wealth is urging the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to begin a cycle of interest rate cuts, following July’s lower-than-expected inflation rate of 4.6-percent. Head of Advisory Services, Riaan Grobler, suggests four consecutive cuts, totaling a one percentage point reduction by March. He argues that rate cuts could stimulate economic growth, relieve consumer pressure, and boost spending, particularly as inflation returns to the bank’s target range.

# Cricket: The first of three T20s between the Proteas and the Windies will be played in Tarouba tomorrow. This follows the Test series which South Africa won 1-nil after the first Test rained out. The second T20 will take place on Sunday and the final one on Tuesday – both also in Tarouba. Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter says the series is an important part of the team’s journey to the next World Cup final:

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-96-cents and the euro at 20-rand. One British pound costs 23-rand-57-cents and Bitcoin trades at 60-thousand-873-dollars-35-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-496-dollars-59-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 76-dollars-43-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….