News 06:00

BULLETIN 4 September 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# ActionSA declares war on politicians’ exclusive medical aid scheme
# The ANC condemns the leaking of its Limpopo chairperson’s step-aside letter
# And cricket: The Proteas return to Lord’s to try and seal the one-day series against England

# ActionSA says its proposed Parliamentary and Provincial Medical Aid Scheme Amendment Bill will restore freedom of choice for politicians and ensure they experience the same realities as citizens, including reliance on public healthcare. The party plans to table the bill in Parliament, ending compulsory membership of the exclusive medical scheme for members of Parliament and judges. ActionSA’s Matthew George says the move will promote fairness, accountability, and incentives to improve the public health system:

# National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola’s legal representative, Stefan Coetzee, has dismissed allegations that he is acting as judge, jury, and executioner in the disciplinary case of his deputy, Shadrack Sibiya. Addressing the Pretoria High Court, Coetzee argued that an impartial arbitrator has been appointed to handle the matter. He said assumptions that Masemola hijacked the process for personal motives are unfounded, as his duty is to maintain order and discipline:

# The Gauteng government has welcomed the launch of a dedicated political killings task team, announced by national police commissioner Fannie Masemola. The specialised unit, set to begin work within the next month, will investigate high-profile and politically sensitive cases to prevent violence across the province. Premier Panyaza Lesufi says planning is underway to finalise the team’s terms of reference, resources, and personnel for effective operations:

# The ANC has condemned the leaking of Limpopo chairperson Stan Mathabatha’s step-aside letter. In a letter to ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, he communicated his decision to voluntarily step aside, citing misconduct and a lack of values in the ANC. He said this was particularly evident in the processes and conduct of party members in regard to the elective conferences in the Vhembe and Waterberg regions. The ANC says Mathabatha’s letter has been received, but warns members to follow internal communication processes and protocols.

# Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes to speak with US President Donald Trump today to push for new sanctions against Russia over its invasion. He was speaking to the media during a visit to Copenhagen to discuss additional support for Kyiv from Nordic and Baltic countries. He added that a solid basis exists for security guarantees for Ukraine in case of a ceasefire, citing bilateral agreements, including one with Denmark.

# Cricket: The Proteas return to the scene of their recent World Test Championship glory today when they take on England in the second one-day match at Lord’s. South Africa can clinch the three-match series today after Tuesday’s comprehensive victory at Headingley. Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder helped to skittle out the hosts for just 131, whereafter Aiden Markram led the charge and the visitors reached the target with only three wickets down. The final ODI will be played in Southampton on Sunday, followed by three T20s.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-65-cents and the euro at 20-rand-58-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-72-cents and Bitcoin trades at 111-thousand-943-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-559-dollars-17-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-15-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….