News 06:00

BULLETIN 15 July 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The High Court will hear Ramaphosa’s urgent application regarding his impeachment proceedings today
# Donald Trump backs down on his proposed 20-percent toll in the Strait of Hormuz
# And, the National Blood Service encourages acts of kindness that last beyond 67 minutes

# The Western Cape High Court will today and tomorrow hear president Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent bid to halt the work of Parliament’s Impeachment Committee until his review application of the Section 89 panel’s findings is finalised. In November 2022, the panel found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have violated the Constitution and committed serious misconduct over the Phala Phala matter. In his application, Ramaphosa argues that allowing the inquiry process to proceed while the panel report’s legal validity is still disputed could cause irreparable political and reputational harm.

# The Higher Education and Training Ministry says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s current administration is using a leaner and more cost-effective technical support model than previous governance structures. Ministry spokesperson Matshepo Seedat says four specialist advisers cost about ten-million-rand a year and were appointed to help restore governance, strengthen financial controls and improve services for students. Seedat added the administration remains focused on rebuilding public confidence in the scheme:

# Public Works and Infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson says a full investigation into the wall collapse at the Nazareth Baptist Church in Inanda, in KwaZulu-Natal, must be completed before construction resumes. On Monday, eight people were injured when a retaining wall collapsed, with four still in hospital. Following a visit to the site, Macpherson said the Shembe Church supports an investigation by the Council for the Built Environment to determine the cause of the incident:

# US president Donald Trump has reversed his threat of charging a 20-percent fee on ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz. He had argued that if Iran sought to profit from the key oil shipping route, America should also be compensated for securing international trade in the Gulf. In a post on Truth Social, Trump says the toll fee will be replaced by investments in the US from Arab countries in the Persian Gulf. He, however, maintains that the Strait is open to ships from all countries apart from Iran.

# Rugby: Former Welsh flyhalf Dan Biggar doesn’t back his countrymen when they face South Africa in a Nations Championship clash in Durban this weekend. The Springboks are top of the world rankings, and Wales is the lowest-placed in the competition at twelfth. Biggar says the Red Dragons need some work in certain departments, especially in defense, after losing to Argentina last weekend. He says the world champions will definitely test Wales’ defense after scoring 13 tries in the competition so far.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-36-cents and the euro at 18-rand-69-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-92-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-859-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-49-dollars-82-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 84-dollars-3-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The South African National Blood Service is encouraging South Africans to spend their 67 minutes this Mandela Day by donating blood. The blood service says one donation can save up to three lives, calling on more people, especially first-time donors, to become lifesavers. The organisation added that the donation process is safe, simple, and takes less than 67 minutes, but can make a lasting difference to patients in need nationwide.

Stay tuned for more news………….