News 06:00

BULLETIN 15 July 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says the judicial inquiry will safeguard the integrity of the police
# The DA wants answers on Mcebisi Jonas’ role
# And cricket: The Proteas defeat Zimbabwe in their T20 tri-series opener

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government is determined to ensure that the important work that has been done to rebuild law enforcement agencies and security services is not compromised. In his weekly newsletter, he emphasised the reasons why he established a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Ramaphosa says it is necessary to establish the facts through an independent, credible, and thorough process. He adds that the inquiry affirms the government’s commitment to the rule of law, transparency, and accountability.

# The DA says it has been over 90 days since former deputy Finance minister Mcebisi Jonas was appointed as special envoy to the US. Still, there is little sign of progress as US tariffs threaten key export industries. The DA’s Emma Louise Powell says the party will submit a Promotion of Access to Information application to compel president Cyril Ramaphosa to disclose the whereabouts and activities of Jonas, citing concerns over his business ties to MTN:

Meanwhile, Trade union Solidarity says it is ready to join a South African task team to negotiate a trade agreement with the US urgently. The union says this is vital before a 30-percent tariff on local exports takes effect on 1 August. In a letter to minister Parks Tau, Solidarity insists that politicians alone cannot resolve the crisis. It warns that failure to act swiftly could cost up to 275-thousand jobs, hitting agriculture and vehicle manufacturing hardest.

# The South African Social Security Agency says a review in partnership with registered credit bureaus flagged 210-thousand beneficiaries for failing to disclose other income. CEO Themba Matlou says this violates the Social Assistance Act, which may lead to grant suspensions or terminations and recovery of overpaid funds. He says the review process aims to ensure only eligible recipients get support, protect public funds, and maintain the integrity of the grant system:

# Cricket: South Africa claimed a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their opening match of the T20 International tri-series at the Harare Sports Club. George Linde took three wickets as the hosts were restricted to 141 for six in their 20 overs, with captain Sikandar Raza scoring an unbeaten 54. In reply, debutant Rubin Hermann and Dewald Brevis starred with the bat, scoring 45 and 41 respectively, as the Proteas reached the target with 25 balls to spare. South Africa will next face New Zealand tomorrow.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-88-cents and the euro at 20-rand-87-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-2-cents and Bitcoin trades at 119-thousand-877-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-344-dollars-55-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-39-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The inaugural Connie Chiume International Youth Film Festival kicks off this Mandela Month in Benoni, honouring the late icon’s legacy through youth empowerment in the arts. Backed by the National Film and Video Foundation, the festival will host over 500 creatives, national premieres of Uprize! and What Did You Dream?, and a memorial lecture series. The Connie Chiume 67 Minutes Mentorship Challenge, celebrating transformation, legacy, and real opportunities in South Africa’s creative economy, will also take place.

Stay tuned for more news………….