News 09:00

BULLETIN 3 August 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Social Development advances child protection with improved systems
# Home Affairs launches a zero-tolerance policy following corruption convictions
# And, Olympic Games: Paolini and Errani ensures Italy’s first tennis medal in 100 years

# The Department of Social Development has enhanced child protection by integrating new systems through the integrated justice system. Key updates include real-time notifications about arrested children and an improved child protection register for screening unsuitable individuals. The department’s Lumka Oliphant says key improvements include the national integrated social protection information system, which integrates data across sectors to address poverty and inequality: 

# The Department of Home Affairs has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. This follows the sentencing of former official Judy Zuma to 12 years in prison by the Durban Commercial Crime Court. Zuma was convicted for involvement in a syndicate that fraudulently issued passports to unqualified foreign nationals. Minister Leon Schreiber hailed the conviction as a key step in combating corruption. Schreiber announced enhanced security measures for travel documents to prevent future fraud:

# The National Transmission Company South Africa interim CEO Segomoco Scheppers has confirmed that the entity is making a separate revenue application to Nersa to fund new grid infrastructure. Speaking at the South African Independent Power Producer Association event, Scheppers emphasised the need for sound financial footing, citing past underfunding from Eskom. He says the aim is to secure dedicated revenue, protect existing grid assets, and accelerate new transmission corridor development to meet future energy demands.

# Olympics: Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani made sure of Italy’s first tennis medal in hundred years when they reached the women’s doubles final in Paris. They beat Czech duo Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova in the semifinal. Paolini burst onto the international scene this year when she reached the finals of the French Open as well as Wimbledon. She and 37-year-old Errani won the Italian Open earlier this year. They will play Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider in Sunday’s final.

# And, Justin Timberlake had his licence suspended after appearing virtually at a hearing in New York over his drink-driving charge. The 43-year-old singer is currently on tour in Europe and appeared via video link from Belgium. He pleaded not guilty to driving while intoxicated. Timberlake was arrested in the early hours of 18 June, after police said he failed to stop at a stop sign and could not stay in his lane while driving. Court documents stated that he performed poorly on all standardised field sobriety tests. Timberlake has strongly denied the allegations.

Stay tuned for more news………….