News 18:00

BULLETIN 8 August 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deputy president Mashatile urges traditional leaders to partner in nation building
# Germany stops arms sales to Israel that could be used in its Gaza takeover plan
# And cricket: Glenn McGrath predicts a 5-0 whitewash for Australia over England in the Ashes series

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has called on traditional and Khoi San leaders to work with government in planning, service delivery, and uplifting communities. Speaking in Pretoria, Mashatile urged leaders to reject harmful cultural practices and support gender equality. He highlighted their role in tackling crime, substance abuse, and unemployment, while promoting unity to build a safer, inclusive, and prosperous South Africa:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched the five-billion-rand Rand Water Zuikerbosch system purification plant in Emfuleni, Gauteng, reaffirming government’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, and reliable water to all South Africans. Speaking at the launch, Ramaphosa praised the Water Ministry and Gauteng’s leadership for their efforts. He highlighted that water is a basic right, the lifeblood of society, vital for health, agriculture, industry, and innovation, ensuring every citizen receives safe, high-standard water:

# Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the city has submitted a proposal to grant municipal police the power to investigate gang, gun, and drug-related crimes. The aim is to improve low conviction rates, currently at just five-percent, despite removing 400 illegal guns annually. The city also calls for better access to forensic tools and crime data, and improved cooperation with the South African Police Service. Hill-Lewis says investigative powers are key to building stronger cases:

Moving abroad:

# Germany announced the suspension of military exports to Israel in response to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to take over Gaza City. Berlin is one of Jerusalem’s staunchest allies, often described as a matter of historic responsibility because of the Holocaust. German chancellor Friedrich Merz admits Israel has the right to defend itself and press for the release of hostages, but is deeply worried about the continued suffering of Gaza’s civilian population. Analysts describe the decision to halt arms exports as a big step.

# Cricket: Former Australian bowler Glenn McGrath believes his country will achieve a 5-nil whitewash over England in the next Ashes series, starting in November. England could last win the coveted urn in 2015. McGrath, who won the Ashes six times, says he has all the confidence in the Baggy Green, with star players such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. England could last win a Test in Australia in 2010 and McGrath says it would be interesting to see if they could turn things around.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-73-cents and the euro at 20-rand-67-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-83-cents and Bitcoin trades at 116-thousand-718-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-387-dollars-1-cent a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-71-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….