News 07:00

BULLETIN 1 July 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Numsa condemns US and Israeli attacks on Iran
# The Investigating Directorate is ready to ensure justice in state capture cases
# And tennis: Sabalenka is through to the second round at Wimbledon, but Medvedev crashes out

# Metalworkers union Numsa has strongly condemned the US and Israel for their role in the recent military attacks on Iran. The union says the recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites were triggered by Israel’s unprovoked strike, which the US fully supported with weapons and military technology. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola has called for sanctions against Israel and dismissed America’s role as a peacemaker:

# The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption has vowed to continue the fight against state capture corruption after four former Transnet executives were granted 50-thousand-rand bail by the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Brian Molefe, Anoj Singh, Siyabonga Gama and Thamsanqa Jiyane are facing 18 charges including corruption. The directorate’s Henry Mamothame says the case relates to a multi-million-rand locomotive tender allegedly awarded irregularly to a Chinese firm:

# The DA says Tshwane lost 130-million-rand in electricity revenue in April due to extended outages worsened by a policy banning after-hours emergency repairs. DA finance spokesperson Jacqui Uys blames poor workmanship and ANC-led coalition decisions for increased blackouts in the east of Pretoria. She demands better overtime management during emergencies after planned maintenance:

# Absa in Mauritius plans to nearly quadruple funding for green projects by 2030 to support the island nation’s emissions reduction goals. Moneyweb reports the unit of South Africa’s third-largest bank by assets, Absa Group, intends to increase green loans to close on 6.2- billion-rand from 1.65-billion-rand at the end of last year. Mauritius has set an ambitious target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40-percent by 2030 to curb the effects of global warming. Rising incidences of flooding, drought, and coral bleaching threaten both marine life and its vital tourism industry.

# A 92-year-old man has been found guilty of raping and murdering a woman born 133 years ago – in what is thought to be the UK’s longest cold case to reach trial. Ryland Headley was convicted of killing 75-year-old Louisa Dunne at her home back in June 1967. The latest DNA technology, as well as matching palm prints taken at the scene more than 57 years ago, resulted in a jury finding Headley guilty on both charges. He was arrested in November 2024, and police are now investigating whether he could be linked to other unsolved crimes.

# Tennis: Top seed Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the Wimbledon second round, beating Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine 6-1, 7-5. The 27-year-old Belarusian is a three-time Grand Slam champion but has never been beyond the semi-finals at the All England Club. She is looking to ease the pain of losing in the finals of the Australian Open and the French Open this year. Meanwhile, former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock first-round defeat against France’s Benjamin Bonzi. Bonzi beat ninth-seeded Medvedev in four sets.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-69-cents and the euro at 20-rand-85-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-29-cents and Bitcoin trades at 107-thousand-379-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-319-dollars-90-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-35-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….