News 06:00

BULLETIN 10 July 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# An investigation is launched after the death of a SANDF member in the DRC
# The MK Party says Hlophe’s legal experience makes him a sure fit for the Judicial Service Commission
# And rugby: Ireland fly in two players before the Durban test

# The South African National Defence Force has launched an investigation into the death of one of its members at a base in Beni, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The member’s death, caused by a hand grenade explosion near their sleeping quarters on Monday, will be investigated. SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini says the identity of the deceased will be disclosed after the family has been notified:

# The MK Party has defended its decision to nominate John Hlophe to serve on the Judicial Service Commission, saying he is highly qualified for the role. The impeached judge has been elected to the commission to represent Parliament. The JSC found Hlophe guilty of gross misconduct, which led to his removal. MK Party Chief Whip, Sihle Ngubane, says Hlophe’s legal experience makes him a sure fit for the JSC:

# The ANC has emphasised the urgent need for renewed multilateralism amid global conflicts. The party criticised the failure of multilateral bodies to resolve Middle Eastern and Eastern European conflicts, calling for visionary leadership. The ANC reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to peace, justice, and international law, and defended Palestinian rights. Meanwhile, the party has also congratulated the UK’s Labour Party and France’s New Popular Front, stating that the new leaders should address poverty, inequality, and climate justice, as essential global challenges requiring policy rethinking by European leaders.

# The Western Cape Education Department says it has made various arrangements for learners whose schools were damaged due to the inclement weather. The department welcomed learners, staff, and teachers back to school for the third term amid wet and cold weather. The Department’s spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, says five schools remain closed due to flooding, and building damage. She says the Department is coordinating with weather services and disaster management:

# The City of Johannesburg Council has voted against a 2.5-billion-rand loan from the French Development Agency. The loan was intended for capital expenditure projects. A total of 118 councillors voted against the loan while 111 councillors voted in favour. Three councillors abstained. The DA, EFF, ActionSA, and the GOOD Party voted against the loan, voicing concern about the financial implications the long-term repayments would have on residents. Mayoral committee member for Finance Dada Morero has expressed disappointment that the EFF voted against the loan.

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus could name an unchanged starting 15 for the second test against Ireland in Durban on Saturday. Ireland coach Andy Farrell does not have the same luxury. Scrumhalf Nathan Doak and hooker Dave Heffernan have joined the injury-hit Ireland squad after injuries to Craig Casey and Dan Sheehan ruled them out of the second test. Prop Andrew Porter is set to start despite suffering a cut to his hand. Centres Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki, winger James Lowe and full-back Jamie Osborne face fitness tests.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-14-cents and the euro at 19-rand-63-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-21-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-500-dollars-84-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-364-dollars-24-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 84-dollars-74-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….