News 07:00

BULLETIN 11 July 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister MacPherson says the probe into cyber theft at the Public Works Department is ongoing
# AfriForum and Solidarity urges the National Prosecuting Authority to reconsider prosecution in the Life Esidimeni case
# And Olympics: Caitlin Rooskrantz and Akani Simbine will carry the South African flag at the Paris Games

# Government says an investigation into claims of money siphoned from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure through cybercrime is still ongoing. Minister Dean Macpherson has revealed that the department has lost at least 300-million-rand to cybercrime over the past ten years. A total of 24-million-rand was stolen in the most recent incident, prompting the suspension of four department officials. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the State Security Agency continues to provide support and advice to government departments on cybersecurity.

# The DA has secured five Parliament portfolio committee chairperson posts and three in the National Council of Provinces. This as 13 more National Assembly committees elected their respective chairpersons yesterday. The DA is part of the government of national unity. Freedom Front Plus, RISE Mzansi, and Build One SA also secured committee chairperson positions. Parliament says the election of the chairpersons of committees paves the way for members to start deliberating on budget votes and other important business.

# The Motor Industry Staff Association’s legal department is on high alert to aid 317 members affected by AutoZone’s voluntary business rescue. Amid a challenging retail motor industry environment due to high interest rates and living costs, the association acknowledges AutoZone’s efforts to safeguard business and prevent job losses. MISA spokesperson Sonja Carstens pledges to ensure members will receive salaries and entitlements under business rescue provisions:

# AfriForum and Solidarity are urging the National Prosecuting Authority to reconsider prosecuting former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and mental health head Makgabo Manamela following the Life Esidimeni inquest findings. The High Court in Pretoria found their negligence contributed to the deaths of at least nine patients. AfriForum representing victims’ families, awaits the written judgment before deciding on further action. Solidarity’s René Roux welcomes the ruling as a step towards justice:

# Outgoing NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, says the outcome of the Ukraine/Russia war will shape global security for decades to come. He was speaking at the NATO Summit currently underway in Washington. Stoltenberg says Russia winning the war in Ukraine would encourage other authoritarian leaders in Iran, North Korea, and China:

# Olympics: Gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz and sprinter Akani Simbine will be Team South Africa’s flag bearers at the Games in Paris, while swimmer Kat Swanepoel and track star Mpumelelo Mhlongo will do the honours at the Paralympic Games. The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee recently added the Blitzboks and several other athletes to Team South Africa, meaning 140 athletes will compete in 19 sporting codes. The Olympics start on the 26th of this month, and the Paralympics on the 28th of next month.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-11-cents and the euro at 19-rand-64-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-31-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-894-dollars-58-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-375-dollars-36-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-78-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….