News 06:00

BULLETIN 14 August 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Solidarity is once again on its way to the US to talk about human rights
# The former Springbok Schalk Burger and his son have been fined for failing to submit tax returns
# And Netanyahu says the Gaza talks might focus on releasing all the hostages in one go

# Trade union Solidarity is set to travel to Washington, DC, in the US next month, to meet government officials following concerns over declining human rights in South Africa. The visit comes after a US State Department report flagged threats to minority groups, race-based laws, including incitement through the ‘Kill the Boer’ chant by EFF members. Solidarity’s Jaco Kleynhans accuses the ANC of refusing constructive engagement with the US, worsening diplomatic tensions:

# The DA says the most damaging economic roadblock is the policy of black economic empowerment. The ANC has defended BEE, saying it is necessary to push transformation in the country. Professor William Gumede has calculated that the effects of BEE have been that 100 politically connected individuals have received one trillion rand through BEE. The DA’s Mark Burke says the reality is that there is now a clear public view that BEE has failed:

# Home Affairs deputy minister Njabulo Nzuza has confirmed that a case of arson and malicious damage to property has been opened with police after the Germiston offices were torched. Nzuza condemned violent protests, warning that there would be consequences. Nzuza says over 500 people have been affected, with services disrupted. He stressed to SABC News that law enforcement will ensure those responsible are brought to justice:

# The Paarl Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape has convicted and fined former Springbok Schalk Burger and his son, Christiaan, including his company, Welbedacht Wines, for not submitting tax returns. Schalk was fined 56-thousand-rand or 112 months in jail, with 56 months suspended. His son was fined 48-thousand-rand or eight years in jail, with four years suspended. National Prosecuting Authority Eric Ntabazalila says the case shows that failing to file taxes will not be ignored.

# Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated Gaza ceasefire efforts are now focused on a comprehensive deal to release all the remaining hostages at once. The plan previously allowed a 60-day truce and partial release of living hostages. Hamas says a delegation of its leaders is in Cairo for preliminary talks with Egyptian officials. The BBC says mediators see a window of opportunity in the coming weeks to try to push a deal. Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas broke down last month while Israel announced a controversial plan to conquer the Gaza Strip.

# Cricket: Australian fast bowler Scott Boland says they will not be fazed if England reverts to sledging in the upcoming Ashes Series. He reacted to the recent feisty Test series between England and India that ended in a two-all draw. Australia had in the past been known as the kings of sledging, but toned it down lately. Boland says they’ll be ready for whatever the visitors throw at them. The first of the five Ashes Tests starts in Perth on the 21st of November.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-48-cents and the euro at 20-rand-47-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-74-cents and Bitcoin trades at 123-thousand-371-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-360-dollars-61-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-34-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….