News 07:00

BULLETIN 23 August 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The police clear its Crime Intelligence boss of wrongdoing
# The SASSA CEO appeals for calm over social grant payments
# And rugby: The Boks will be banking on experience to trip up the Wallabies

# The South African Police Service has cleared Crime Intelligence boss, Dumisani Khumalo, of any wrongdoing following an internal investigation into corruption allegations. Khumalo and co-accused face fraud and corruption charges relating to the appointment of Dineo Mokwele to an executive role in 2024 without the correct qualifications. He appeared in the Pretoria High Court on Friday seeking relaxation of his bail conditions, which currently bar him from SAPS intelligence premises, to resume his duties. The matter returns to court on 8 September 2025.

# The South African Social Security Agency CEO, Themba Matlou, has appealed to the public and beneficiaries to stay calm amid the ongoing discussions between SASSA and Post Bank. He reassured the public that social grants will continue to be paid on time and no beneficiaries will lose their grants.  SASSA spokesperson Andile Tshona urged the public not to panic, emphasising that beneficiaries can still choose which bank to receive their grants:

# ActionSA has welcomed the Western Cape High Court’s dismissal of My Vote Counts’ application challenging parts of the Party Funding Act. The court ruled against the attempt to impose stricter disclosure requirements on donations, which ActionSA argued would unfairly restrict newer political parties. ActionSA’s Matthew George reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, noting the party has consistently declared funding, achieved clean audits, and opposed non-compliance by other parties:

# Federal Bureau of Investigation agents have raided the Maryland home of former national security advisor to Donald Trump, John Bolton, on Friday, as part of a national security investigation into classified records. The probe focuses on possible leaks to the media. The FBI confirmed court-authorised activity but said there was no public threat. It’s unclear if Bolton was home during the raid. The investigation reportedly began under the Biden administration but stalled before his term ended.

# And now sports news, starting with cricket: Tomorrow’s third and final one-day game between South Africa and Australia in Mackay will be a dead rubber after Lungi Ngidi, Matthew Breetzke, and Tristan Stubbs starred in yesterday’s second encounter at the same field. The Proteas clinched the series with their victory of 83 runs after they were bowled out for 277. Breetzke contributed 88 and Stubbs 74. Man of the match Ngidi then took five wickets to help skittle the hosts out for 193. South Africa won the first match in Cairns by 98 runs.

# And finally rugby: The Springboks will be banking on some of their more experienced campaigners to take control when they face the Wallabies in round two of the Rugby Championship in Cape Town. Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus has made ten changes to the team for the rematch this afternoon. One of the more notable inclusions is at flyhalf with the experienced Handré Pollard replacing Manie Libbok. Loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez will get his first Test start in seven years as he replaces the injured Siya Kolisi at number 8.

Stay tuned for more news………….