News 15:00

BULLETIN 24 July 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Rasool claims US bullying in the sanctions bill
# The CEO and co-founder of a Southern Cape game reserve is named as the person being trampled to death by an elephant
# And cricket: The SA20 teams are shaping up for Season 4

# Former South African ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, has termed the move by the US to consider a sanctions bill targeting South African political leaders as a bullying tactic. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Rasool warned that the bill, already approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will impact South Africa negatively. He says urgent diplomatic efforts are needed to block the sanctions ahead of a crucial Senate vote expected in September:

# The Hawks have seized laptops, phones, and documents from top Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa executives as part of an investigation into two train signalling tenders worth 18-billion-rand. According to News24, the raid at Prasa’s Braamfontein headquarters in Johannesburg targeted the CEO, chief financial official, head of legal, and chief procurement official. The contracts are under scrutiny over alleged irregularities, including being awarded to companies that failed to meet key compliance requirements. Transport minister Barbara Creecy is reviewing a report on the matter.

# The Gondwana private game reserve near Mossel Bay in the Southern Cape has confirmed its CEO and co-owner was the person being trampled to death by an elephant on Tuesday. Thirty-nine-year-old FC Conradie is survived by his wife and three young children. He was described as a beloved and highly respected figure in the conservation community, saying his unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, community upliftment, and sustainable tourism left a lasting impact. Local police have opened an inquest docket.

# The Department of Water and Sanitation says the process of cleaning and testing the Hammanskraal water system in the Tshwane metro is now over 90-percent complete. This should be completed as soon as there is sufficient water to conclude the flushing. The department’s spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, says they recognise the seriousness of the situation, and assure the Hammanskraal community that all reasonable efforts are being made to restore a consistent and safe water supply:

# Cricket: The six franchise teams in the SA20 are beginning to take shape for the fourth season, starting on the 26th of December. The Proteas’ T20 captain, Aiden Markram, is heading for the auction after Sunrisers Eastern Cape didn’t retain their captain of the first three seasons. Former South African captain Faf du Plessis will stay at Joburg Super Kings while defending champions MI Cape Town will have the services of Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Corbin Bosch and Kagiso Rabada. The auction takes place on 9 September.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-61-cents and the euro at 20-rand-69-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-85-cents and Bitcoin trades at 116-thousand-698-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-363-dollars-93-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-27-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….