News 11:00

BULLETIN 30 July 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Motsoaledi welcomes the release of the report into the 800-million-rand oxygen tender
# The Madlanga Commission is set to cost around 147.9-million-rand over six months
# And World Rugby welcomes the R-360 global league if it creates a more financially sustainable game

# Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the release of the report into the 800-million-rand Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Plant tender will finally remove the cloud hanging above the tender. A forensic investigation found that the Independent Development Trust awarded the tender for the purchase of oxygen plants at 55 public hospitals to an unqualified company. The department’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale, says the individuals involved did not just commit financial corruption, but deprived citizens of urgent life support in the form of oxygen:

The DA has meanwhile commended Public Works and Infrastructure minister, Dean Macpherson, for enforcing real accountability after releasing the report into the tender investigation. The DA’s Edwin Macrae Bath says the minister has taken instantaneous action to bring the criminal aspects of this scandal to the attention of the Hawks:

# The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development says the Madlanga commission of inquiry’s estimated budget is 147.9-million-rand over six-months. The commission, established by president Cyril Ramaphosa, will investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, of corruption and collusion within the criminal justice system. The department will also oversee the procurement process for the commission’s operations. It says due to the timeframes involved, it has applied to the National Treasury for a deviation from standard procurement processes for the commission.

Moving abroad:

# Russian authorities have declared a state of emergency in the northern Kuril Islands following the tsunami triggered by the massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Kamchatka Peninsula. The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings and evacuations across the Pacific Ocean, including in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan. In the US, the West Coast is under a tsunami advisory, as well as portions of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and Hawaii. Hawaiian governor Josh Green has appealed to people to heed evacuation orders:

On to sports news: 

# World Rugby warns that Tests remain the pinnacle of the sport and any franchise league not offering players that opportunity, won’t attract the best talent. CEO Alan Gilpin reacted to the planned R360 (R-three-sixty) global franchise league, fronted by former English centre Mike Tindall. It is reportedly set to attract top players with big-money offers like IPL cricket and LIV golf. Gilpin says they welcome any investment if it creates a more financially sustainable game. World Rugby enforces the release of players for Test rugby from any recognised competition.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-85-cents and the euro at 20-rand-64-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-85-cents and Bitcoin trades at 118-thousand-246-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-330-dollars-67-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-66-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….