News 09:00

BULLETIN 7 July 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deputy minister Nomalungelo Gina launches South Africa’s inaugural National Science Month
# The Public Service Association rejects a proposed new vehicle tax
# And motorsport: Kimi Antonelli won the sprint at the British Grand Prix and takes the pole position

# Deputy minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, has officially launched South Africa’s inaugural National Science Month at the Vaal University of Technology in Sebokeng. This marks the beginning of a month-long national programme that replaces National Science Week as the country’s flagship science engagement initiative. The deputy minister says the programme aims to promote scientific literacy, inspire innovation, and encourage greater public participation in science and technology:

# The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa has expressed concern following recent revelations regarding the DA and its senior leadership. GIWUSA president, Mametlwe Sebei, says the emerging information involves Tony Leon. It alleges state capture and the misuse of public office to advance specific business interests. He is calling for an immediate, unfettered investigation into these deeply troubling claims to determine the extent to which state resources have been weaponised for private gain by individuals linked to the DA:

# The Public Servants Association has strongly condemned reports of a proposed new vehicle tax aimed at addressing financial challenges at the Road Accident Fund. The Association spokesperson, Claude Naicker, says the financial challenges facing the RAF are largely the result of years of poor governance, inadequate oversight, financial mismanagement, and policy failures. He says the RAF cannot expect citizens to carry the financial consequences of its inability to manage public funds effectively.

# Eskom continues to realise the benefits of its operational recovery initiatives, maintaining a stable and reliable power system despite rising winter electricity demand. The power utility spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena, says continued improvements in generation performance under the Generation Recovery Plan are enabling the utility to consistently meet demand while maintaining sufficient reserves and operational flexibility:

# And motorsport: Championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes became the youngest winner of a Formula One sprint on Saturday when he passed Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton to triumph at the British Grand Prix. The 19-year-old Italian achieved his first sprint win with a well-managed drive after starting second, following the 41-year-old seven-time champion for seven of the 17 laps before powering into the lead. He has now extended his lead in the title race ahead of George Russell in the second Mercedes. World champion Lando Norris of McLaren finished third in the sprint.

Later in the afternoon, Antonelli also took pole for this afternoon’s race. Charles Leclerc will start next to him on the grid with Lewis Hamilton in the other Ferrari third, next to the Mercedes of George Russell. Isack Hadjar of Red Bull will begin in the fifth spot after outqualifying his teammate, Max Verstappen, who will start seventh. He will be sandwiched by the two McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, starting at six and eight, respectively.

Stay tuned for more news………….