News 06:00

BULLETIN 19 August 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA is concerned about the delay in finalising the terms of reference for the ad hoc committee
# Hamas has reportedly agreed to the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal
# And rugby: The Wallabies expect a huge onslaught from the Boks in Cape Town

# The DA says it is concerned with the ongoing delays in finalising the terms of reference for Parliament’s ad hoc committee, tasked with investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The committee met on Monday to further discuss the proposed terms of reference, with all parties submitting their views. The DA’s Ian Cameron says they have opposed the ANC’s push to use Parliament’s lawyers instead of independent ones, and for the chairperson to have sole control over questioning:

# The Congress of South African Trade Unions has applauded the strong support shown at the national dialogue convention this past weekend. The convention was attended by over one-thousand delegates from 200 organisations. COSATU says while concerns raised by some must be addressed, the dialogue cannot be delayed. The federation stresses the need for urgent solutions to unemployment, poverty, crime and failing public services. The federation pledges to hold all stakeholders accountable to ensure real, tangible change for workers and society.

# The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature has welcomed the decision by two accused in a Eldorado Park murder case to abandon their bail application at the Protea Magistrate’s Court. The pair face charges of murder, rape, and child abuse of a four-year-old child. The child will be buried today. Chairperson Bandile Masuku stressed their release would threaten community safety:

# Hamas has reportedly informed mediators that it approves the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal. Egypt, Qatar, and the US have been mediating between Israel and Hamas since the beginning of the war in Gaza that has killed 62-thousand Palestinians. According to reports, the deal will include a suspension of military operations for 60 days, and Hamas’s release of around half of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, in two stages. During this time, negotiations would take place for a permanent ceasefire.

# Rugby: Australia expects a huge onslaught from South Africa in Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test in Cape Town after humiliating the world champions in Johannesburg. The Springboks squandered a 22-nil lead to eventually lose 38-22 – the first victory for the Wallabies at Ellis Park since 1963. Australian lock Will Skelton says the Boks will try and punch them in the face so they have to be ready. He also says the Wallabies’ victory in the final Test against the British and Irish Lions gave them much-needed confidence.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-61-cents and the euro at 20-rand-55-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-78-cents and Bitcoin trades at 116-thousand-580-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-333-dollars-98-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-97-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Immigration capacity will nearly double at Cape Town International Airport following a partnership between the Border Management Authority, Western Cape Government, and City of Cape Town. Launched by Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber, premier Alan Winde, and mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, the initiative adds 48 assistant port control officers. This increases staff from 66 to 114, improving border efficiency, boosting tourism, and enhancing national security while supporting local job creation as well as smoother processing.

Stay tuned for more news………….