News 09:00

BULLETIN 5 July 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# John Steenhuisen never asked to be part of the National Dialogue
# Thousand are welcomed in eThekwini for today’s Durban July
# And at least 20 children are still missing after a flash flood in Texas

# DA leader John Steenhuisen says he never requested to join the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the National Dialogue as appointed by president Cyril Ramaphosa. Addressing the media, Steenhuisen, who is expected to attend as Agriculture minister, says he only learnt of his appointment hours before the first meeting. He has accused the ANC of excluding other parties and warned that the dialogue lacks transparency, calling it a political smokescreen:

# The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has welcomed thousands of holidaymakers and guests to the internationally acclaimed horse-racing event, the Durban July. The Department’s spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, says between 45- and 50-thousand people are expected to attend the event today. He says the main focus is to ensure that criminals do not blend in with honest motorists using the provincial road networks:

# Today marks International Cooperative Day, running under the theme, Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World. The day seeks to highlight the vital role cooperatives play in advancing development and peace. The global movement spans sectors from agriculture to healthcare, offering innovative, democratic solutions rooted in shared ownership. The day also promotes awareness of cooperatives’ success in addressing global challenges while building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

# At least 24 people have been confirmed dead in flash flooding in the US state of Texas. Authorities have confirmed that as many as 25 people, including 20 children, are still missing. There were more than 700 who attended the summer camp. Authorities said most of the campers are safe, but they could not be immediately evacuated because high waters have made local roads unusable. As much as 25 centimetres of heavy rain fell in just a few hours in Central Kerr County, causing flash flooding of the Guadalupe River. Independence Day celebrations across Texas were cancelled.

# And finally, sports news:

# Rugby: Western Province director of rugby, John Dobson, says the team has renewed focus and energy in preparing for the 2025 Currie Cup opening match against the Bulls on 26 July at DHL Stadium. After finishing sixth last season, Dobson says making the playoffs is key. He told SABC Sport that former stars Brok Harris and Dewaldt Duvenage join a refreshed coaching setup. Dobson says Western Province fans can expect exciting, expansive rugby this campaign and is determined to rebuild a winning culture.

# And soccer: Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opening match against Ghana on Monday in Morocco will set the tone for the tournament. Ellis warns that the Black Queens are a tough opponent as they have reached the finals three times. She urged the Banyana squad to stay focused despite the withdrawal of Sasol as a sponsor and payment woes with the South African Football Association:

Stay tuned for more news………….