News 08:00

BULLETIN 17 July 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Twelve countries agree on measures to halt the Gaza genocide
# The DA says the ad hoc committee on the Mkhwanazi claims is a vital first step
# And tennis: Aryna Sabalenka pulls out of Montreal to rest

# A coalition of 12 countries has agreed to six coordinated diplomatic, legal, and economic measures to restrain Israel’s assault on Palestine and defend international law at large. The countries include South Africa, Colombia, Indonesia, Iraq, Malaysia, and Libya. The measures include preventing the provision or transfer of arms, and a review to prevent public institutions and funds from supporting Israel’s illegal occupation. International Relations and Cooperation minister, Ronald Lamola, says this is a collective affirmation that no state is above the law.

# The DA has welcomed the recommendation by the portfolio committees on Police and Justice for the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The ad hoc committee will look into specific issues, including the disbanding of the political killings task team, and the alleged removal of 121 case dockets by Police minister Senzo Mchunu. The DA’s Lisa Schickerling says this is a crucial and long overdue step toward ensuring transparency and accountability:

Meanwhile, RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana says the Police and Justice Committees have agreed in principle to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations. Gana however, stressed this is not yet a final decision, as the National Assembly will deliberate on the proposal next week. He urged members not to prejudge the matter and emphasised the need for a fair, time-bound process to maintain public trust:

# ActionSA in Gauteng is calling for a public hearing, convened by the provincial Legislature, to assess the economic impact and fairness of fixed electricity surcharges. This comes as the City of Johannesburg has imposed a new 230-rand fixed electricity surcharge on prepaid customers. ActionSA’s spokesperson, Zwelithini Mtshali, says if the ANC and EFF believe electricity is a luxury, then they are governing for the few, not the many. He says they remain committed to fighting for justice in electricity tariffs:

# Tennis: World number one Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus has withdrawn from the Canadian Open in Montreal due to fatigue. The 27-year-old reigning US Open champion says she is looking forward to kicking off the North American hard-court swing, but to give herself the best chance for success, it’s in her best interest to skip Montreal. Spain’s Paula Badosa has also withdrawn because of an injury. American Caty McNally and Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima replace Sabalenka and Badosa in the main draw.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-86-cents and the euro at 20-rand-75-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-91-cents and Bitcoin trades at 117-thousand-928-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-338-dollars-77-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-19-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….