News 07:00

BULLETIN NEWS AGENCY 7 September 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Rise Mzansi urges a review of VAT-exempt goods to alleviate financial strain 
# The Christian Forum claims Minister Thembi Simelane is a scapegoat for corrupt leaders
# And, rugby: Siya Kolisi says much is at stake in Cape Town this afternoon

# Rise Mzansi has called for a review of VAT-exempt goods and services to help address the escalating cost-of-living crisis. In his National Assembly mini-plenary speech, the party’s Makashule Gana said high crime rates, corruption, and inadequate public services are key drivers of rising living costs. Gana proposed solutions such as ensuring affordable energy and water, improving public transport, and strengthening the criminal justice system to combat corruption:  

# The South African National Christian Forum has come to the defence of Justice minister Thembi Simelane, claiming she’s being unfairly targeted as a scapegoat by corrupt leaders. The forum demands equal treatment for all implicated figures involved in the VBS Mutual Bank looting. The forum’s president Marothi Mashashane argues that borrowing money from a friend and repaying it before her ministerial role should not be grounds for accusations: 

# Former president Kgalema Motlanthe has emphasised a deliberate and tactical approach to tackle corruption. Speaking during the University of Johannesburg’s Anti-Corruption Summit, he highlighted the importance of ethical governance, strong leadership, and the rule of law. Motlanthe stressed that addressing corruption requires conscious reflection on its root causes and a multifaceted approach, including education. He warned that corruption erodes public trust, undermines economic growth, and weakens legal systems. He called for collective action to strengthen institutions and ensure justice for all.

# Israeli forces have withdrawn from Jenin city and its refugee camp in the occupied West Bank after a major nine-day operation. The area is a stronghold of militants and was targeted in one of Israel’s biggest actions in the West Bank for years. According to the Palestinian health ministry at least 36 Palestinians were killed. The BBC reported at least eight of the dead are civilians, including a 16-year-old girl. There has been a spike in violence in the West Bank since Hamas’s attack and the ensuing war in Gaza.

# And, rugby: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says the Rugby Championship title as well as the Freedom Cup are at stake in this afternoon’s Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town. He postponed a nose reset to play, and won’t use any protection on his face. Kolisi says they’ve never been in this position, being in front halfway through the competition, and they have a real chance of winning the championship for the first time since 2019 and the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2010.

Stay tuned for more news………….