News 11:00

BULLETIN 19 July 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA says the ANC can’t defend the Mcebisi Jonas visa scandal
# Five people are shot and killed at a tavern in Olievenhoutbosch
# And cycling: Tadej Pogačar extends his Tour de France lead

# The DA says its member Emma Powell made a public revelation about Mcebisi Jonas that created a serious credibility issue for president Cyril Ramaphosa. The party says Ramaphosa appointed Jonas to advance South Africa’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities with the United States of America after Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion. The DA’s Willie Aucamp says since Powell’s revelation there has been no denial that Jonas was refused a visa to US and this has not been denied by the presidency or the ANC:

Meanwhile, the ANC Youth League has strongly condemned Powell’s actions who is reported to have led a deliberate misinformation campaign against the South African government during her recent visit to the United States. The ANC Youth League’s spokesperson, Zama Khanyase, says Powell allegedly peddled falsehoods about South Africa’s land expropriation policies and contradicted the official diplomatic engagements of the government. She says they are calling on president Cyril Ramaphosa to act decisively and urgently:

# Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for approximately ten suspects after five people were shot and killed and three others injured at a tavern in the Shoba Informal Settlement in Olievehoutbosch, Centurion, last night. Police spokesperson, Mavela Masondo, says the suspects reportedly entered the tavern and started shooting randomly, without saying a word. The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage:

# The Syrian presidency says it will deploy a new force to halt the deadly sectarian clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters in the south of the country. Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s office urged “all parties to exercise restraint” amid reports of renewed fighting. According to the BBC, almost 600 people have been killed since the violence erupted. Government troops deployed to the area were accused by residents of killing Druze civilians and carrying out extrajudicial executions. The US ambassador to Turkey on Friday said that Israel and Syria had agreed to a ceasefire.

# And sports news:

# Cycling: Tadej Pogačar powered to victory in an uphill time trial on stage 13 of the Tour de France on Friday to stretch his lead in the race to more than four minutes. Jonas Vingegard and Remco Evenepoel clung on to their places in the overall top three. The 10.9-kilometre time-trial took place in the sweltering heat of more than 30 degrees Celsius. Today’s stage 14 is another punishing affair with around 50 kilometres of climbing likely to be raced in rain.

# And rugby: The age-old rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand continues at junior level this evening when the two countries meet in the final of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Rovigo, Italy. The Baby Boks looked unstoppable so far, easily winning their three group matches before beating Argentina in the semifinals. The Baby Blacks are also undefeated and beat France in the penultimate match. South African coach Kevin Foote describes the match as a special moment against a special side. Kick-off is at 8.30.

Stay tuned for more news………….