News 09:00

BULLETIN 3 August 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Ramokgopa says economic growth and BEE are not incompatible
# The EFF welcomes the introduction of the Insourcing Bill
# And finally: Strictly Come Dancing TV stars are accused of taking cocaine

# The ANC National executive committee member, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says the issue of economic growth and the pursuit of black economic empowerment are not incompatible. He says the decision by U.S. president Donald Trump to impose a punitive 30-percent tariff on South African exports has nothing to do with policies such as Black Economic Empowerment or the expropriation of land without compensation. Ramokgopa says the factors that undermine growth in South Africa do not include BBBEE:

# Education activist Hendrick Makaneta says the appointment of Justice Dunstan Mlambo as Deputy Chief Justice is a step forward not only for the legal system, but also for all sectors, such as education. He says Mlambo’s appointment marks a significant moment for the country, particularly for those who believe in a judiciary that champions equity, transformation, and the protection of fundamental rights. Makaneta says Justice Mlambo has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to justice for the marginalised:

# The EFF has welcomed the formal introduction of the Insourcing Bill in the National Assembly as a Private Member’s Bill, tabled by its treasurer-general, Omphile Maotwe. The party says the purpose of this Bill is to compel the state, across all levels and entities, to insource essential and regularly required services. It says that at the core of South Africa’s collapsing state capacity lies the wholesale outsourcing of public services to third-party contractors. The EFF says this trend has led to widespread corruption, manipulation of the tender system, inflated pricing, and exploitation of workers.

# Sports news:

# Rugby: The Lions scored a comprehensive 40-19 win over Western Province in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon. They have now added five log points for each of the two matches they have played so far in this season’s Currie Cup campaign. The Lions scored five tries and a penalty try against three tries from Western Province. The Bulls and the Lions are leading the logs with ten points each, followed by the Cheetahs on seven and the Pumas with six.  The Sharks and Western Province are at the bottom of the log with no points after two games each.

# Motorsport: Charles Leclerc stunned himself and the competition with an exceptional late lap to claim pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Saturday’s qualifying was one of the closest sessions in Formula One history, bringing Leclerc his first pole in Hungary, his and Ferrari’s first of the season, and the 27th of his career. The two McLaren drivers will start second and third, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell in fourth. Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen is eighth on the grid, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is down at 12th.

# And finally: The BBC has responded after it was reported that two Strictly Come Dancing stars have been accused of taking cocaine. According to The Sun on Sunday, the broadcaster is said to have hired an external law firm to probe the drug-taking allegations. The BBC told Sky News it has clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint. It is the latest crisis to hit the popular show. In July last year, Amanda Abbington accused dancer Giovanni Pernice of abusive behaviour. Laura Whitmore also alleged inappropriate behaviour during her time on the show.

Stay tuned for more news………….