News 06:00

BULLETIN 25 February 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The government reaffirms its zero-tolerance approach to corruption
# The DA takes the Johannesburg Water tanker tender battle to the Special Investigation Unit
# And, the G7 leaders reiterate their unwavering support for Ukraine

# The government says a breakthrough investigation by the Special Investigating Unit into corruption at the Department of Home Affairs shows that president Cyril Ramaphosa’s anti-corruption priorities are being actively implemented. The investigation uncovered fraud in the issuing of official documents to illegal immigrants, undermining public trust and national security. Deputy government spokesperson, William Baloyi, says rooting out corruption is central to improving service delivery and strengthening state institutions:

# North West businessman Brown Mogotsi told Parliament’s ad hoc Committee that in KwaZulu-Natal, suspects linked to cases under Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi rarely survive to face trial. Mogotsi said arrests often end with suspects being killed, denying them a fair judicial process. Mogotsi emphasised that this undermines democratic policing, in contrast with other provinces where suspects are apprehended and taken to court:

# The Free State High Court has dismissed convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester’s urgent application claiming his right to a fair trial was being infringed. He wanted the Department of Correctional Services to be compelled to allow his lawyers adequate time and facilities for him to prepare for trial, and requested access to a laptop. Bester also argued that being kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day was unconstitutional. Judge Petrus Daffue said Bester failed to prove his constitutional rights were violated.

# The DA says it will take Johannesburg Water’s disputed tanker tender to the Special Investigating Unit. This follows a ruling by the High Court in Johannesburg that declared a controversial 263-million-rand water tanker tender invalid and set it aside. The DA’s Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku calls for a full investigation under anti-corruption laws, warning that public funds must be managed transparently, especially as residents continue to face ongoing water outages:

# Leaders of the G7 global powers have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty, and independence. Tuesday marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The G7 leaders say they continue to support US president Donald Trump’s peace process, bringing the parties to direct discussions. The leaders acknowledge that only Ukraine and Russia, working together in good faith negotiations, can reach a peace agreement.

# Rugby: The Springboks will get their Test season going with a match against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on the 20th of June. Ticket sales for the encounter open today, with prices starting at 250-rand each. The invitational team will be coached by former All Blacks mentor Scott Robertson, Pumas coach and assistant coach, Felipe Contepomi and Kenny Lynn, and Racing 92’s coach, Patrice Collazo. The match will take place two weeks before the world champion starts the inaugural Nations Championship against England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-94-cents and the euro at 18-rand-77-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-51-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-118-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-142-dollars-43-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 70-dollars-93-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….