News 11:00

BULLETIN 15 June 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# COSATU slams the proposed 700-million-rand budget for the National Dialogue
# A Mozambican national is shot dead and another arrested in the Kruger National Park
# And Israel and Iran attack each other in new wave of missile attacks

# The Congress of South African Trade Unions has dismissed the proposed 700-million-rand budget for the National Dialogue as reckless and out of touch. COSATU’s Matthew Parks says the suggestion is an insult to struggling South Africans facing austerity and high living costs. While supporting the dialogue’s objectives, he warned against such verbal gaffes and urged the government to allocate a modest budget that reflects the country’s economic realities:

# The investigation into the South African Bureau of Standards has been extended to 30 June. Initially due in May, the probe, led by TSU International, was commissioned by Trade, Industry, and Competition minister Parks Tau after whistleblower reports of mismanagement and corruption. DA Trade, Industry, and Competition spokesperson, Toby Chance, has criticised delays in suspending implicated officials, warning of interference. Concerns also remain over the delayed appointment of a permanent CEO and unresolved board vacancies.

# A 31-year-old Mozambican national has been arrested for illegal firearm possession and trespassing in Kruger National Park’s Satara area when rangers encountered three suspects near Ngotso Dam yesterday. One suspect opened fire and rangers responded, wounding two, one later died. The third suspect fled. Recovered items included a hunting rifle, ammunition, an axe, a knife, and cell phones. The surviving suspect is under police guard in a hospital and faces multiple charges. Police continue searching for the third suspect.

# Water and Sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina says the 30-million-rand refurbishment of the Botekeeng sewage pump station in Rustenburg, North West, aims to curb sewer spills and improve sanitation. The upgraded system is set to cater for more households than the current 235 households. Majodina warned against illegal connections, stressing they can collapse the system. She urged community cooperation as vandalism will be deterred with new security and surveillance measures:

# Israel and Iran launched fresh missile attacks on each other overnight into this morning. This comes as Israel expanded its surprise campaign against its main rival with a strike on the world’s biggest gas field. Tehran called off nuclear talks with the US, that Washington had said were the only way to halt Israel’s bombing. Air raid sirens blared in Jerusalem and Haifa last night sending around a million people into bomb shelters. Israeli media said at least 35 people were missing after a strike hit Bat Yam, a city south of Tel Aviv.

# And soccer: Bafana Bafana take on defending champions Angola in the 2025 COSAFA Cup final today in Bloemfontein. South Africa booked their spot with a 3-1 win over Comoros, while Angola thrashed Madagascar 4-1. The clash follows South Africa’s cricket triumph at Lord’s. Coach Vela Khumalo stressed an aggressive start for Bafana. Ranked tenth in Africa, South Africa seek its fourth title, while Angola aim for its fifth COSAFA Cup crown.

Stay tuned for more news………….