News 11:00

BULLETIN 4 August 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# David Makhura says the ANC must renew or perish
# Thabo Bester’s attorney will challenge his prison conditions in court
# And, Olympic Games: St Lucia’s Alfred wins the women’s 100 metre gold

# ANC head of political school, David Makhura, has called the ANC’s loss of its majority in the May elections a strategic setback, making renewal a do or die priority. Speaking at the conclusion of the ANC National Executive Committee meeting in Boksburg, he stated that the government of national unity under president Cyril Ramaphosa is essential for the party to remain in power and implement its manifesto:

# The legal representative of convicted murderer and Facebook rapist Thabo Bester is set to challenge the Department of Correctional Services over his treatment in prison. Bester claims his rights are violated due to lack of private consultations with his attorney and being kept in solitary confinement. His attorney Dinana Reid told eNCA Bester’s rights to a fair trial are being compromised:

# Wealthy South Africans face the highest debt levels, averaging 21-thousand-700-rand monthly on home and vehicle loans, and other debts. According to consumer analytics and research firm Eighty20, these heavy hitters, with incomes ranging from 30-thousand to over 120-thousand, holds over 30-percent of all home and vehicle finance loans, despite representing just 20-percent of the loan value. The research indicates that rising interest rates and inflation are exacerbating financial strain. Financial experts have advised reducing debt if the debt-to-income ratio exceeds 43-percent.

# The Ukrainian military claims a Russian submarine has been sunk in Crimea. Kyiv’s defence ministry says the submarine was sunk in Russian-controlled Sevastopol, the largest city in Crimea. Hours later, Ukraine launched a wave of drone strikes. Russia’s defence ministry in a statement said 75 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed above or near the border between the two countries. The drone attacks mark the latest use of weapons to strike targets inside Russia. Ukraine was given a partial green light by the West to use some munitions across the border in June.

# And, Olympics Games: Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred stunned favourite Sha’Carri Richardson to win the women’s 100-metre gold medal yesterday. Alfred, who had never finished on the podium at a major outdoor championships prior to yesterday’s final, conjured up a superb race to win in 10.72 seconds. The American took silver in 10.87 and compatriot Melissa Jefferson won bronze in 10.92. Alfred’s gold gave Saint Lucia their first ever medal of any colour at an Olympics. The island nation only began competing at the Games in 1996.

Stay tuned for more news………….