News 11:00

BULLETIN 11 July 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Public Interest South Africa hails the Madlanga Commission whistleblowers
# Solly Malatsi says ending smartphone tax expands opportunity 
# And rugby, Scotland’s coach regards the Springbok pack as best in the world

# Founder and chairperson of Public Interest South Africa, Tebogo Khaas, says testimony presented at the Madlanga Commission by retired Hawks investigator Colonel Kobus Roelofse, Hawks Captain Mark McLean and others has been valuable. The commission heard evidence on allegations that Investigating Directorate Against Corruption head Andrea Johnson interfered in Major-General Feroz Khan assault investigations. He told the SABC that testimonies highlights that honest police officers deserve stronger institutional support:

#  Retired SAPS Major General Jeremy Vearey has welcomed the launch of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption Ombud, while calling for an overhaul of its operations. Retired Judge Takalani Raulinga has been appointed as the first Ombud, tasked with investigating complaints of abuse of power and maladministration. This follows testimony before the Madlanga Commission that raised concerns about the directorate. Vearey told Newzroom Afrika that IDAC remains a critical institution:

# The ANC in Gauteng has urged residents to protect the newly upgraded K101 Road linking Johannesburg and Tshwane by reporting vandalism and other criminal activity. The party has welcomed the project as a major investment in the province’s transport infrastructure. It provided skills training for residents and supported small businesses during construction. The ANC’s Mzi Khumalo says the upgraded road will improve traffic flow, road safety and economic growth:

# Communications and Digital Technologies minister Solly Malatsi says removing the luxury tax on entry-level smartphones is helping expand digital access and economic opportunity. Malatsi’s statement follow the release of a report by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association which evaluated the impact of scrapping the excise duty on devices priced under two-thousand-500-rand. Malatsi says the tax reform has made smartphones more affordable, increasing access to jobs, education, banking and government services.

# Rugby: Scotland’s head coach, Gregor Townsend, describes the Springboks’ pack as the best in the world before today’s Nations Championship showdown at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The Scots were only able to beat South Africa five times in the two sides’ 30 previous encounters. Townsend says they are preparing for a massive physical clash against the world champion after both sides claimed good victories in the first round – the Boks against England, and Scotland against Argentina. Kick-off is at 5.40 this afternoon.

And the Tshwane Metro Police has announced extensive road closures around Loftus Versfeld Stadium for today’s rugby match. Several roads, including Kirkness, Park, Bond, Eastwood and parts of Arcadia streets, will be affected. Motorists are urged to avoid the stadium precinct and use alternative routes such as Francis Baard, Pretorius and Justice Mahomed streets. Metro police and SAPS officers will be deployed throughout the day to manage traffic, maintain safety and assist spectators. 

Stay tuned for more news………….