News 16:00

BULLETIN 18 August 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The US turns up the heat on MTN over dealings with Iran and Afghanistan
# Cricket: Teenage sensation Kwena Maphaka is added to the Proteas’ ODI squad for the series against Australia
# And South Africans are called to nominate heroes for national orders

# A US Department of Justice grand jury is investigating MTN over its past operations in Iran and Afghanistan. According to News24, the probe follows US civil lawsuits accusing the company of paying protection money to the Taliban and al-Qaeda, allegations MTN denies. The mobile operator’s CEO, Ralph Mupita, says the group has not been accused of wrongdoing but is cooperating fully and must defend itself against legacy claims, including a Turkcell lawsuit over Iran’s first private cellphone licence.

# Metalworkers union Numsa says 65-percent of vehicles in the local market are imported with zero local content. General-secretary Irvin Jim urges government to require foreign brands to establish local plants and employ South African workers. He also called for stricter conditions instead of scrambling to replace lost export markets, including the four-billion-rand export market to the US:

# The Municipal Demarcation Board has resolved not to alter any municipal boundaries after a nationwide consultation and research process. The decision affects 13 cases across 18 municipalities, including Ventersdorp, Tlokwe, Qwaqwa, Mjindi, and Naledi. While some communities plan court action, CEO Manye Moroka warned this could delay ward delimitation ahead of the 2026 elections. Speaking to SABC News, he said that a proposed bill may soon introduce an appeals mechanism:

# Cricket: The Proteas have added teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka to their squad for the upcoming three-match one-day series against Australia. The 19-year-old was impressive in the T20s against the Aussies, picking up nine wickets to finish as the leading wicket-taker in the series which the hosts won 2-1. Meanwhile, Australia welcomes back experienced batter Marnus Labuschagne after he was dropped for the recent Test series against the West Indies. The first ODI will be played in Cairns tomorrow.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-61-cents and the euro at 20-rand-56-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-84-cents and Bitcoin trades at 115-thousand-150-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-347-dollars-52-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-67-cents a barrel. 

# And finally: The Presidency has called on all South Africans to nominate outstanding citizens and eminent foreign nationals for the national orders. These highest awards recognise exceptional contributions in areas such as democracy, human rights, arts, science, business, and acts of bravery. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says nominations for the orders of Mapungubwe, Baobab, Luthuli, Ikhamanga, Companions of OR Tambo, and Mendi close on 31 August.

Stay tuned for more news………….