News 07:00

BULLETIN 15 July 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC supports the judicial inquiry to restore trust in state institutions
# Donald Trump gives Russia 50 days to reach a peace deal with Ukraine
# And rugby: South Africa will face New Zealand in the Under-20 Championship final

# The ANC believes president Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry into serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, reaffirms his commitment to the rule of law. The party also supports the move to place Police minister Senzo Mchunu on leave pending the inquiry’s outcome. The ANC’s Mahlengi Bhengu says this is a necessary step to uphold the integrity of state institutions and restore public trust:

Meanwhile, Corruption Watch says it is disappointed that president Cyril Ramaphosa has taken so long to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe the allegations of criminal infiltration into law enforcement agencies. The commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity. Corruption Watch says the inquiry must be given clearly defined timelines with no extensions, and meaningful protection of whistleblowers appearing before the commission.

# The South African Council for the Architectural Profession has extended its amnesty campaign deadline to 31 August. The extension gives professionals whose registration was cancelled due to non-payment of fees more time to reinstate their status. The amnesty waives penalties and admin fees, requiring only the 2025/2026 annual fee. Reinstated members must meet Continuing Professional Development requirements, as well as Category 1 events. This includes structured educational or developmental activities enhancing professional knowledge and skills, to regain full professional standing.

# Gauteng Police have launched an investigation into a botched hijacking outside the home of acting provincial Police Commissioner, Fred Kekana, in Westonaria. The incident happened on Monday. A case of attempted murder and malicious damage to property is being investigated. Kekana says the driver, who was picking him up, noticed a suspicious BMW following him and came under attack as he was about to park the vehicle:

# US president Donald Trump has threatened Russia with new tariffs if it does not strike a deal to end the Ukraine war within 50 days. Since starting his second term in office, Trump has been trying to persuade Russian president Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, which started with an illegal invasion in 2022. Speaking at the White House alongside NATO secretary general Mark Rutte on Monday, Trump said they will impose secondary tariffs of up to 100-percent on Russia if there is no progress on a peace deal:

# Rugby: The Junior Springboks are through to the World Rugby Under-20 Championship final, following a 48-24 victory against Argentina in Viadana, Italy. South Africa scored six tries with Albie Bester crossing the line twice, to Argentina’s three. The Junior Boks will face New Zealand in Saturday’s final, after the six-time champions defeated France 34-26. This final will be a repeat of the 2012 title decider, which South Africa won on home soil at a sold-out Newlands Stadium.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-88-cents and the euro at 20-rand-86-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-1-cents and Bitcoin trades at 119-thousand-475-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-348-dollars-27-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-44-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….