News 06:00

BULLETIN 11 July 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa will today meet with the eminent persons for the first time
# The African Congress for Transformation says whistleblowers must be protected
# And athletics: Minister McKenzie welcomes the ruling in favour of Caster Semenya

# President Cyril Ramaphosa will meet with the national dialogue eminent persons group today, at the Union Buildings in Tshwane. The group, made up of respected people from across society, will help guide talks aimed at bringing the nation together and receive an update on the first national convention set for 15 August. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the meeting will set the group’s role and goals in the important national dialogue process.

# ANC deputy president, Paul Mashatile, has praised his predecessor, David Mabuza, for his unwavering commitment to public service. Speaking at his memorial in Mpumalanga, Mashatile said that Mabuza remained dedicated to his duties with diligence and a deep sense of responsibility. He urged the nation to honour Mabuza’s legacy by accelerating efforts to realise the Freedom Charter’s vision and acknowledged his dedication to the struggles of South Africa:

# The African Congress for Transformation is calling for stronger laws to protect whistleblowers. This follows serious claims of corruption in the police service by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkwanazi, alleging political interference in police work. The ACT wants an independent investigation led by retired judges, citing that citizens deserve leaders who act in the interest of justice, not political cover-ups. Party spokesperson Mohau Khumalo says whistleblowers are being targeted instead of protected, and this threatens democracy.

# The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed it transferred funds to all identified schools in June 2025 to pay municipal bills. MEC Matome Chiloane says schools with Section 21 functions are responsible for settling water and electricity accounts. In addition, spokesperson Steve Mabona says the department continues to provide oversight and training. He assured that no school will face disconnection while urging schools to comply and practice sound financial management:

# Leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing have pledged renewed support for Ukraine and further pressure on Russia. The leaders gathered in London and Rome virtually on Thursday, with the US participating in the meeting for the first time. UK prime minister Keir Starmer says they have agreed that, while Russia’s aggression continues, the coalition will prioritise making sure that Ukraine gets the military and financial support it needs to defend itself:

# Athletics: Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has welcomed the judgment by the European Court of Human Rights on Caster Semenya’s case. The court ruled that the double Olympic champion’s right to a fair hearing was violated by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court when she lost a 2020 appeal against World Athletics regulations. The department’s spokesperson, Zimasa Velaphi, says this is a critical moment in the battle for the dignity and human rights of female athletes with differences of sexual development:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-72-cents and the euro at 20-rand-74-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-7-cents and Bitcoin trades at 115-thousand-810-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-324-dollars-71-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-18-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….