News 15:00

BULLETIN 11 July 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the national dialogue must reflect the voices of all South Africans
# The DA files a PAIA application over the ANC’s role in Nobuhle Nkabane’s deployment of SETA boards
# And cricket: Wiaan Mulder says Brian Lara feels he should’ve gone for his record

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the national dialogue must reflect the voices of all South Africans. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the national dialogue eminent persons group at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the dialogue must be inclusive, non-partisan, and citizen-led. He says it offers a platform to address critical national challenges, including poverty, inequality, unemployment, corruption and declining public trust in institutions:

# The Randburg Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng has granted 12 South African Defence Force Special Forces members, charged with the murder of Hawks investigator Frans Mathipa, ten-thousand-rand bail each. Mathipa, a lead detective on state crimes, was gunned down on the N1 near Hammanskraal Toll Plaza in August 2023 while probing an abduction case. The case returns to court next Thursday as investigations continue. NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says the bail outcome is disappointing:

# The DA has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act application demanding the ANC reveals its knowledge of Higher Education minister Nobuhle Nkabane’s cadre deployment to SETA boards. The DA claims that she appointed ANC loyalists to top positions and then lied to Parliament. DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau says the move aims to expose ANC involvement in Nkabane’s alleged deceit and abuse of power:

 # Cricket: Protea allrounder Wiaan Mulder says former Windies great Brian Lara feels he should have gone for his Test record of 400 runs. Mulder captained South Africa in the second Test against Zimbabwe and was undefeated on 367 when he declared the first innings, leading to a comprehensive victory. Mulder didn’t feel he had the right to better the record Lara set against a much stronger opponent, England. But Lara says records are there to be broken, and Mulder should create his own legacy.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-85-cents and the euro at 20-rand-87-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-15-cents and Bitcoin trades at 117-thousand-707-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-343-dollars-80-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-58-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Hold My Hand invites children and teens across South Africa to enter a new competition titled Hear Me Out. Children under 18-years-old are encouraged to reflect on what helps them feel safe enough to speak up, what they wish parents, teachers, and caregivers truly understood about their world, and how adults can better show up for them during difficult times. Submissions can be in any creative format: a drawing, rap, voice note, short video, letter, or poem. Entries close on August 8th.

Stay tuned for more news………….