News 07:00

BULLETIN 22 August 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Mmusi Maimane sets strict conditions before considering joining the government of national unity
# A total of 27 countries are calling on Israel to allow the international media access to Gaza
# And rugby: Jean-Luc du Preez is excited for his first Test start for the Boks in seven years

# Build One South Africa says it will only consider joining the government of national unity if strict conditions are met. The party demands a clear governance plan that focuses on economic growth, job creation, reducing crime and corruption, education reform, and promoting ethical leadership. BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane also insists on a commitment to non-racialism, constitutionalism, and the rule of law, warning that without these conditions, it will not enter the GNU despite ongoing informal talks:

# Parliament’s portfolio committee on Health chairperson, doctor Sibongiseni Dhlomo, says South Africans’ concerns about undocumented foreigners cannot be ignored. Organisations such as Operation Dudula and March to March have been removing foreigners, said to be undocumented, from public healthcare centres, specifically in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Dhlomo says the lack of documentation does not always mean the person is illegally in the country:

# The ANC national executive committee in the Free State has resolved to recall at least seven mayors, speakers, and chief whips from under-performing municipalities. The affected municipalities are Mafube, Moqhaka, Letsemeng, Nketoana, Nala, Masilonyana, and Lejweleputswa. The ANC’s provincial Secretary, Polediso Motsoeneng, says the NEC’s decision has to do with weak leadership, poor governance, which undermines service delivery, and allegations of corruption:

# The Western Cape government is using all available resources and working closely with national authorities to protect the province’s agriculture sector from animal diseases. MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer, warned that outbreaks like African swine fever, rabies, and bird flu could threaten farms, jobs, and food security. Meyer called on farmers, industry partners, and citizens to follow biosecurity measures and report suspected cases to help safeguard livelihoods and sustain exports.

# Twenty-seven countries have signed a joint statement calling for Israel to end its ban on independent foreign media access in Gaza. Israel has banned international journalists from entering the Gaza Strip independently, while at least 192 journalists and media workers have been killed since the war began. Countries including France, Japan, the UK, Australia, and Germany form part of the Media Freedom Coalition, which is an intergovernmental group. The countries say journalists must be allowed to cover the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

# Rugby: Loose forward, Jean-Luc du Preez, says he is eager to make the most of his first start for the Springboks in seven years, when he plays in the Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Cape Town tomorrow. The 30-year-old will start at the back of the scrum in the absence of the injured Siya Kolisi in a loose trio with flankers Marco van Staden and Franco Mostert. Du Preez says it’s natural to feel the weight of what this opportunity means:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-71-cents and the euro at 20-rand-56-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-76-cents and Bitcoin trades at 112-thousand-762-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-337-dollars-93-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-97-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….