News 06:00

BULLETIN 30 July 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ronald Lamola urges the UN to take action on a two-state solution for Palestine
# An energy expert criticises Eskom’s legal challenge against Nersa
# And rugby: Rassie Erasmus says the Boks are gearing up for testing Rugby Championship

# International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola has affirmed South Africa’s support for urgent global action to achieve a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel. Speaking at a UN conference in New York, Lamola condemned the destruction in Gaza, calling for the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Lamola said peace depends on halting illegal settlements, releasing prisoners, and respecting international law. He warned that ongoing violence undermines global legal systems and must be addressed collectively:

# Public Works and Infrastructure minister, Dean Macpherson, says disciplinary action will be taken against senior officials implicated in an 800-million-rand oxygen plant tender fraud. This follows PricewaterhouseCoopers’ forensic investigation, revealing fake documents and irregular procurement processes. Macpherson added that Independent Development Trust CEO Tebogo Malaka faces possible suspension over her alleged role, stressing that accountability is non-negotiable:

# Energy expert Chris Yelland says Eskom’s legal challenge against the National Energy Regulator of South Africa is dangerously disingenuous. The power utility is opposing Nersa’s 2024 decision to issue five new electricity trading licences, as well as a cross-border trading licence. It argues that the trading licences represent a fundamental and unilateral change in policy by Nersa, that could upend the entire landscape of electricity provision. Yelland says Eskom’s court challenge represents a full-frontal assault on reform.

# Four men accused of killing DJ Sumbody and his bodyguards now face additional charges after police linked them to other high-profile murders in Gauteng. Katiso Molefe, Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana, and Tiego Mabusela are allegedly connected to the killings of Hector Buthelezi, also known as DJ Vintos, and Don Tindleni. Police say ballistics evidence ties the suspects and weapons to multiple assassinations. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says Molefe’s bail hearing resumes on 6 August:

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the team is gearing up for a testing Rugby Championship campaign, which kicks off against the Wallabies on 16 August in Johannesburg. He stressed the importance of their two-week training camp, saying it was vital in ensuring that the coaches, players, and entire management team were aligned and prepared for the competition. The Springboks won the prestigious tournament last year for the first time since 2019. The Springboks will wrap up the first week of their training camp tomorrow afternoon before reassembling in Johannesburg on Sunday.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-87-cents and the euro at 20-rand-64-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-86-cents and Bitcoin trades at 117-thousand-887-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-327-dollars-85-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-62-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Fans of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne will be given a chance to pay their respects when his cortege travels through his home city of Birmingham later today. Osbourne died at the age of 76 on 22 July. His death came less than three weeks after he took part, along with his bandmates, in Black Sabbath’s farewell gig. According to the Birmingham City Council the event, which takes place ahead of a private funeral, will allow his family a chance to see the many memories his loyal fans have left alongside flowers and tributes.

Stay tuned for more news………….