News 11:00

BULLETIN 22 July 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa stresses the importance of a Public Service that is professional and competent
# World leaders react to US president Joe Biden’s decision to end his bid for re-election
# And Olympics: The Blitzboks are ready for the opening game against Ireland in Paris

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government of national unity has identified as one of its priorities, the rebuilding of the capability of the state and creating a professional Public Service. In his weekly newsletter, the president says to build an inclusive economy that creates jobs and reduces poverty, a capable, ethical and developmental state is needed. Ramaphosa says state capture provided a bitter lesson on the vulnerabilities of the public sector to interference by private business interests. He adds that a united government cannot succeed without a united Public Service.

# The Rural Health Advocacy Project emphasises that improving rural healthcare is essential for achieving universal health coverage. The organisation’s Russel Rensburg highlights that the National Health Insurance aims to provide equitable care for all South Africans. He advocates for a multifaceted approach to address health inequalities, as NHI will re-organise the public health system to be more responsive to challenges:

# The Department of Health says a grade one learner from Hammanskraal, who was suspected of having M-pox, has tested negative for the viral disease. This comes after the Gauteng Education Department reported last week that the pupil had shown symptoms and initially tested positive. The department’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale, has cautioned the public against self-diagnosing or isolating without confirmed laboratory results:

# World leaders have reacted to US president Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election in November. Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Biden for his unwavering support and leadership in the war against Russia. Israeli president Isaac Herzog thanked Biden for his friendship and steadfast support, describing him as a true ally of the Jewish people. New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon says Biden has dedicated his life to public service, and that deserves much respect.

# Olympics: Veteran Springbok Sevens playmaker Rosko Specman says they are ready for a tough battle with Ireland in their opening game in Paris on Wednesday. New Zealand and Japan are the other two teams in Pool A. Specman, who was part of the team that won the bronze medal in Rio in 2016, says it does not get any bigger than the Games:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-30-cents and the euro at 19-rand-92-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-66-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-276-dollars-96-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-400-dollars-76-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 83-dollars-1-cent a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….