News 09:00
BULLETIN 1 August 9 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Soil of Africa says challenges facing municipalities underscore the importance of ethical public representatives
# The Borders Bus Trucks Association calls on government to ban unroadworthy cross border bus operators
# And: Australia defends the teen social media ban after a study shows most are still online
# Soil of Africa Civic Movement says the challenges facing many municipalities underscore the importance of electing capable and ethical public representatives. The movement’s spokesperson, Luzuko Sofute, says strong municipalities begin with responsible leadership that places the interests of communities above personal or political interests. He supports Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa’s view, that improving municipalities starts with electing competent councillors who understand their constitutional responsibilities and are committed to transparent, accountable, and people-centred governance:
# The African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association has called on the government to ban unroadworthy cross border bus operators in the country. This followed the bus accident that claimed 12 lives and left 66 people injured on the N1 North in the Free State on Thursday night. The driver of the bus and trailer, reportedly travelling to Zimbabwe, lost control and it overturned. Association chairperson, Mukhwathi Phumudzo is calling on the Road Accident Fund to publish a list of the names of cross border bus operators benefitted from the Road Accident Fund:
# Action Society says it will continue monitoring the case against deputy president Paul Mashatile’s eight VIP protection officers after the trial was postponed to February next year. The accused dubbed the Blue Light Mafia, face charges linked to the 2023 assault of motorists on the N1 highway in Johannesburg, an incident that sparked widespread public outrage after it was captured on video. The organisation’s Juanita du Preez says they will keep a close watch on the proceedings.
# Australia’s government mounted a defence on Saturday of its world-first ban on social media for children under 16. It came a day after the nation’s internet regulator found that more than eight in ten Australian teenagers were still using social media three months after the restrictions took effect, while parental awareness of their online habits had actually declined. Australia introduced the landmark ban in December after concerns about the impact of social media on the mental and physical health of children. The ban, being closely watched overseas, has drawn criticism from social media companies, mostly based in the US.
# Cricket: Next year’s one-day World Cup in Southern Africa will introduce a three-stage format featuring 14 teams. The lowest three ranked countries will play a round-robin Super Series. The winner advances to the next round, where two groups of six will also play a round-robin format. The top-three teams in each will qualify for the Super 7 stage from where the top-four will reach the semifinals. Matches will be played in eight stadiums in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in the Namibian capital of Windhoek.
# And finally: Traderbag urges South African retailers to move away from plastic shopping bags. It warns consumers are carrying the growing financial and environmental cost. The company’s Declan Cherry says shoppers often pay more than the government levy without knowing how the money is used, while only a small percentage of plastic bags are recycled. Cherry added switching to paper bags could reduce environmental impact and help businesses prepare for stricter regulations and higher costs:
Stay tuned for more news………….