News 09:00

BULLETIN 5 August 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Institute for Security Studies says the construction mafia is misrepresenting policies
# The SACP is pushing for the immediate implementation of National Health Insurance
# And Kamala Harris will announce her running mate soon

# The Institute of Security Studies says construction mafias are misrepresenting the policies implemented for the sector. ISS’ crime expert Lizette Lancaster says the 30-percent protection fee in Treasury’s Preferential Procurement Regulations, aims to transform the economy in order to empower individuals and businesses. However, the regulations have been misinterpreted by construction mafias who demand a 30-percent share, to protect the site from disruption:

# The South African Communist Party says building a strong primary health network that delivers primary health services free at the point of use is essential. The National Health Insurance Bill was signed into law by president Cyril Ramaphosa in May, paving the way for the government to provide equal access to healthcare services and address inequalities. The SACP says without any meaningful reorganisation of healthcare resources from the grip of the for-profit health sector, there can be no hope for universal health coverage in the country.

# ANC interim spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi has stated the party will deliberate on the future of Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda without external pressure. This response follows ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba’s criticism of the ANC for delaying Gwamanda’s potential removal. Godlimpi emphasised that the ANC will assess the local government’s needs and make decisions based on internal considerations, not on Mashaba’s views. He says the ANC plans to involve all its structures, including Gauteng Provincial Executive Committees, in this process.

# US vice president Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate this week, after interviewing potential contenders over the weekend. Some of the candidates include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Harris has officially received enough votes from Democratic delegates to win the party’s nomination for president. Former Republican presidential candidate, Chris Christie, told ABC that Harris should pick Shapiro:

# Olympic Games: The mixed relay triathlon will go ahead as scheduled today after organisers tested the water quality of the River Seine. The water quality of the Seine caused the men’s triathlon to be delayed by a day last week, while the practice swim for the mixed relay was postponed on Sunday. Belgium has withdrawn from the mixed relay triathlon after one of their athletes fell ill. Unconfirmed reports state Claire Michel, who competed in the women’s triathlon last week Wednesday, has contracted E coli.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-37-cents and the euro at 20-rand-10-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-52-cents and Bitcoin trades at 54-thousand-128-dollars-94-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-452-dollars-68-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 76-dollars-93-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….