News 07:00

BULLETIN 5 July 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Dozens are left homeless after an explosion in a Springs informal settlement
# Minister Meth welcomes the police breakthrough in the Unemployment Insurance Fund scam
# And rugby: The Springbok Women are ready to face Canada

# A massive explosion has ripped through an informal settlement in Springs in Ekurhuleni, leaving dozens of people homeless. Community members claimed the explosion was the result of explosives that illegal miners kept hidden inside the shacks. The area is known as a hotspot for illegal mining activities. Ekurhuleni EMS spokesperson William Ntladi says the fire department received a call about a shack and a car on fire. However, emergency teams on the scene found a massive explosion had occurred:

# RISE Mzansi has rallied support behind the Government Communication and Information System budget, stating that it must take centre stage in delivering accurate government information. Speaking during the Budget Vote debate, RISE Mzanzi leader Songezo Zibi highlighted the collapse of traditional media and the rise of misinformation. He urged the GCIS to treat social media as critical platforms and proposed tech giants like Meta and Google pay a levy to fund civic education and fact-checking tools.

# The Department of Employment and Labour plans to tighten controls following a major police operation uncovering fraud in the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Minister Nomakhosazana Meth welcomes the arrests of several suspects in Gauteng and the Free State, including a Bloemfontein departmental official, in connection with fraudulent UIF claims involving fake companies and stolen identities, with over 1.5-million-rand lost. Ministry spokesperson Thobeka Magcai says the suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday:

# President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will, during the French leader’s visit next week to the UK, co-chair talks with other European leaders on boosting Ukraine’s defences. The meeting on 10 July will come as US-led peace talks on ending the more than three-year-old war against Ukraine have stalled. The United States, Ukraine’s biggest military backer since the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, said Tuesday it was halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine.

# And finally, rugby news:

# The Springbok Women are determined to face world number two, Canada, at Loftus Versfeld today. It’s the first time the two sides clash on South African soil. Captain Nolusindiso Booi says this test will prepare them well for the Rugby World Cup. Assistant coach Franzel September adds they’re ready for the skillful Canada as the Boks Women pack is powerful and is ready to deliver a physical challenge to them:

# And this weekend sees a host of international matches with most of the top countries in action. Japan and Wales kick off the action at 7 am, followed by the exciting match-up of New Zealand and France at 5 minutes past 9. Local interest will be focused on Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria this afternoon when the Springboks take on Italy at 10 past 5. Georgia are at home to Ireland at 7 pm, and Argentina ends the day’s action with a 9.45 kick-off against England. Tomorrow morning at 05:30, Australia take on Fiji.

Stay tuned for more news………….