News 11:00
BULLETIN 20 August 11 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# ActionSA files court papers to challenge SAPS over Phala Phala alleged cover-up that cleared senior officers
# The MK Party says Ramaphosa cannot be allowed to continue derailing the work of the impeachment committee
# And soccer: Banyana Banyana’s coach says preparations will be key for the World Cup intercontinental play-offs
# ActionSA has filed papers in the High Court in Pretoria against the Police Service for what it deems to be a politically driven whitewash to shield Presidential Protection Service members. A police investigation cleared the service’s head, Wally Rhoode, and Hlulani Rekhoto after being accused of covering up the 2020 burglary at president Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. ActionSA’s Michael Beaumont says the investigation was a sham:
Meanwhile, the MK Party says Ramaphosa’s objection to the appointment of Thandazani Madonsela as evidence leader for the impeachment committee is yet another calculated attempt to derail the process. Ramaphosa argued Madonsela has clear conflicts of interest, including recently advising the ANC on the impeachment inquiry. MK Party’s parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, says Ramaphosa has no authority to approve or veto the evidence leader:
# The City of Cape Town says its water supply remains stable, but the risk of restrictions has increased due to rising demand and uncertain rainfall. Dam levels were around 76-percent in early July after good rains, but forecasts suggest below-average rainfall ahead. Mayoral committee member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says the city is investing in new water sources, including groundwater, water reuse, desalination and surface water projects. He urges residents and businesses to continue using water responsibly.
# Russia launched a fresh wave of attacks against Ukraine overnight, killing at least 12 people and injuring 34. Apartment buildings, warehouses and a children’s hospital were targeted. A drone crashed in Romanian territory, but no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, the Polish Army has begun defensive air operations to protect its airspace. Moscow has targeted over a dozen regions across Kyiv over the past week, launching over one-thousand-550 drones. Ukraine has stepped up its attacks inside Russia this week, killing16 people.
# Soccer: Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis believes her team has what it takes to qualify for next year’s Women’s World Cup, but admits the intercontinental play-off qualifying matches in November will be tough. The draw will take place in Zurich, Switzerland, today, with South Africa, Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan and Ghana all in the hat. Ellis says they will have to be at their very best to reach the final stage of qualifying:
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-10-cents and the euro at 18-rand-81-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-92-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-744-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-487-dollars-58-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 94-dollars-13-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….