News 07:00

BULLETIN 8 July 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa reaffirms his commitment to deal with claims made by KZN Police Commissioners
# Ian Cameron urges suspensions if political interference in the police is confirmed
# And rugby: Several changes are expected in the Bok squad for the second Test against Italy

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning that those found guilty of wrongdoing within the South African Police Service will be dealt with. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has alleged that criminal syndicates have infiltrated the police service. He also accused minister of Police of meddling in high-profile cases. Speaking to the media at the end of the BRICS Summit in Brazil on Monday, Ramaphosa admitted that he was caught off guard by Mkhwanazi’s claims:

Meanwhile, the Chairpersons of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, says deep-rooted corruption has crippled SAPS and the justice system. Cameron calls for an independent inquiry, a Parliamentary debate, and the freezing of political killing dockets. He also emphasised that if any preliminary investigation indicates any form of political influence in the ministry, suspension should be considered:

# Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa says municipalities that received previous disaster relief funds will be required to provide comprehensive reports detailing the utilisation of those funds. The government has announced a substantial Disaster Recovery Grant, allocating 1.2-billion-rand to municipalities affected by recent disasters in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and the Eastern Cape. Hlabisa has stressed the importance of transparency and strategic planning, saying financial accountability is imperative.

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says certain journalists have abandoned their role as impartial reporters but are allegedly pushing political agendas. While the party defends media freedom, it should not be mistaken for impunity. Mbalula states that this form of captured journalism undermines public trust and the values of media freedom, ultimately harming democracy. He called on the media to uphold ethics, balance and accountability:

# US president Donald Trump says Japan and South Korea will face a 25-percent tariff on exports to America come August 1st. He announced the tariffs in a post on his Truth Social, sharing letters he said had been sent to leaders of the two countries. Japan and South Korea are America’s sixth- and seventh-largest trading partners, respectively. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says letters will also be sent to more countries in the coming days:

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to make several changes to his squad for Saturday’s second Test against Italy in Gqeberha. This follows a not-so-impressive display in the first Test at Loftus. South Africa did outscore the visitors with six tries to three to win 42-24, but more was expected from the hosts after a half-time lead of 28-3. Erasmus wants to give as many players as possible game-time to build the strength of the squad and says the Boks must be imposing this time around.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-81-cents and the euro at 20-rand-91-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-27-cents and Bitcoin trades at 107-thousand-811-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-333-dollars-44-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-80-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….