News 09:00

BULLETIN 7 July 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cape Town takes proactive steps amid a level 8 weather warning
# The ATM seeks to overturn the Public Protector’s Phala Phala report
# And, rugby: Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony is disappointed after the loss to South Africa

# The City of Cape Town has taken proactive steps to ensure community safety after the South African Weather Service upgraded its weather warning to level 8 today. Strong to gale-force winds are expected, reaching speeds of 70 to 90-kilometres-per-hour, with gusts of over 100-kilometres-per-hour. Spokesperson Charlotte Powell says the Disaster Coordinating Team will oversee the emergency response, and warns of potential structural damage. She advises residents to avoid coastal areas:

# The African Transformation Movement has filed court papers at the Gauteng High Court to set aside Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s Phala Phala report. ATM president Vuyo Zungula argues the investigation into president Cyril Ramaphosa’s conduct was flawed and influenced by a conflict of interest. He claims the findings were predetermined and lacked thoroughness, highlighting procedural failures and questioning the investigation’s integrity.

The Citizens Forum has meanwhile called on Ramaphosa to abolish state funerals, citing corruption concerns. This follows Gcaleka’s report revealing over three-million-rand spent on late Free State Education MEC Tate Makgoe’s funeral. Gcaleka found irregularities, including overspending and failure to prevent excessive costs. Her office emphasises adherence to proper procedures for official funerals in future. Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem argues that taxpayer-funded burials are unjustifiable.

# Rugby: Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony expressed disappointment after the 27-20 defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. O’Mahony, who expected a repeat of their World Cup group match success against the Springboks, acknowledged mistakes in attack and defence. He says the team will review errors and improve strategies ahead of Saturday’s second Test in Durban:

In Cape Town, the arch-enemies Western Province and the Bulls will cap the first weekend of Currie Cup Premier Division action this afternoon. Kick-off at the Cape Town stadium is at 3. Yesterday, the Cheetahs annihilated the Pumas 82-20 in an encounter in Bloemfontein, scoring seven tries plus a penalty try. The Pumas could only reply with a converted try, a penalty try and two penalties. The season got underway on Friday when the Pumas beat Griquas and the Lions edged the Sharks.

Stay tuned for more news………….