News 06:00

BULLETIN 27 June 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA issues a 48-hour ultimatum to Cyril Ramaphosa over the firing of Andrew Whitfield
# Eight MPs are fined for not submitting their financial and other interests
# And cricket: Lhuan-dré Pretorius could make his T20 debut for the Proteas in Zimbabwe

# DA leader John Steenhuisen has given president Cyril Ramaphosa 48 hours to fire ANC ministers and deputy ministers implicated in the state capture corruption. This follows the sudden removal of Trade, Industry and Competition deputy minister Andrew Whitfield. Steenhuisen says Whitfield was removed unfairly over a minor travel issue, despite having followed proper procedures. He accused Ramaphosa of targeting the DA while Human Settlements minister Thembi Simelane, linked to VBS looting, remains in cabinet:

Meanwhile, the DA also says Ramaphosa is threatening the stability of the coalition by firing Whitfield. Steenhuisen says the dismissal was politically motivated and shows double standards, as ANC ministers linked to corruption remain in office. Steenhuisen warns that this action risks worsening tensions within the government of national unity and calls on Ramaphosa to act responsibly to preserve unity:

# The National Assembly has adopted the report of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests on the non-disclosures of members’ interests for 2024. The committee found eight members of Parliament in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests. This is for failing to submit their financial and other registrable interests by the deadline. The individuals found in breach include six ANC members and one each from the IFP and the MK Party. They have been fined ten-thousand-rand each and received a reprimand in the House.

# The Gauteng Education Department has precautionarily transferred the principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof following allegations of witness interference. The principal will report to the Tshwane South District Office from today pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings. The Department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, says the case, involving earlier claims of serious misconduct, is being handled by the Education Labour Relations Council:

# US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth insists that American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites were a success, backing President Donald Trump and berating the media for questioning the results of the operation. Hegseth told journalists at the Pentagon that Trump created the conditions to end the war, decimating, choose your word, obliterating, destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Yesterday, Trump insisted that Iran did not manage to move nuclear materials, including enriched uranium, ahead of the US military action.

# Cricket: Rassie van der Dussen will captain the Proteas in the T20 tri-series against hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand next month. Regular captain Aiden Markram, as well as Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Majaraj, are rested, while Anrich Nortjé is injured. Batter Lhuan-dré Pretorius could make his T20 debut for South Africa after impressing in the SA20. The series is the first white-ball experience for Shukri Conrad following his recent appointment as coach in all three formats.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-84-cents and the euro at 20-rand-86-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-48-cents and Bitcoin trades at 107-thousand-29-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-322-dollars-84-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-60-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….