News 08:00

BULLETIN 9 July 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Political parties must submit statements in the African Transformation Movement’s election case by tomorrow
# The Tourism minister advocates for a national strategy to boost air travel
# And, the UN Human Rights office is calling for a probe into the latest deadly Russian strikes

# The Electoral Court has given 19 political parties until tomorrow to file answering affidavits in the African Transformation Movement’s case. In its application, the party is seeking a re-run of the May general elections and wants the court to declare the elections null and void. ATM leader Vuyo Zungula argues that the party has been the victim of miscalculations, vote rigging, and voter corruption. He adds that the Electoral Commission’s failings in the elections mean that the country now faces a constitutional crisis.

# Tourism minister Patricia De Lille has called for a national strategy to attract more airlines to South Africa, aiming to boost tourism and economic growth. De Lille emphasised the airline industry’s role in sustainable tourism growth and announced plans for a unified air access strategy. She also awaits president Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision on the future of South African Airways at the cabinet lekgotla following the Department of Public Enterprises’ closure:

# The City of Tshwane says significant strides have been made in upgrading the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant. This as a new service provider has been appointed, setting the stage for substantial work to be completed by 2026. Mayoral committee member for Utilities and Regional Operations and Coordination, Themba Fosi, says progress includes enhanced site security, improved equipment management, and ongoing sewage effluent pumping:

# The United Nations Human Rights Office is calling for a prompt, thorough, and independent investigation into the latest Russian missile strikes in Ukraine. Over 30 people were killed and 140 injured in strikes across cities in Ukraine yesterday. The country’s largest children’s hospital has been damaged. Russia has denied responsibility for the deaths. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk says civilians must be protected, and the laws of war strictly adhered to at all times.

# Tennis: Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic is through to his 15th quarterfinal at Wimbledon. The Serb dispatched Denmark’s Holger Rune, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, to book a meeting with Australia’s Alex de Minaur. American Taylor Fritz rallied from two sets down to beat fourth seed Germany’s Alexander Zverev, 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-3. In the women’s draw, Russian-born Kazakhstani and 2022 champion Elena Rybakina set up a quarterfinal clash with Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina. Djokovic says he is happy with his performance:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-12-cents and the euro at 19-rand-63-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-21-cents and Bitcoin trades at 56-thousand-994-dollars-92-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-364-dollars-25-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-49-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….