News 12:00
BULLETIN 30 July 12 pm
Good afternoon. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa prefers dialogue over violence
# The Netherlands declare two Israeli ministers persona non grata
# And World Rugby welcomes the R-360 global league if it creates a more financially sustainable game
# International Relations and Cooperation minister, Ronald Lamola, says South Africa is anti-war and prefers dialogue over violence. He addressed the United Nations’ two-state solution conference in New York, aimed at resolving the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Lamola says there cannot be peace while the very existence of the Palestinian people is being threatened by Israel’s continued genocidal actions in Gaza:
The Netherlands has meanwhile declared Israel’s Finance and National Security ministers persona non grata for inciting violence and urging ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Last month, the Netherlands backed a failed Swedish proposal to impose European Union sanctions on Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Smotrich responded on X, saying European leaders had succumbed to the lies of radical Islam that is taking over and rising antisemitism. Ben-Gvir says he would continue to act for Israel, even if he was banned from entering all of Europe.
# The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development says the Madlanga commission of inquiry’s estimated budget is 147.9-million-rand over six-months. The commission, established by president Cyril Ramaphosa, will investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, of corruption and collusion within the criminal justice system. The department will also oversee the procurement process for the commission’s operations. It says due to the timeframes involved, it has applied to the National Treasury for a deviation from standard procurement processes for the commission.
# ActionSA says they will not support the ANC’s attempt to remove Tshwane city manager Johan Mettler, warning it would cause unnecessary instability. The ANC in Tshwane claims there were discrepancies with his appointment. ActionSA national chairperson, Michael Beaumont, says they believe in the separation between political and administrative issues in government:
On to sports news:
# World Rugby warns that Tests remain the pinnacle of the sport and any franchise league not offering players that opportunity, won’t attract the best talent. CEO Alan Gilpin reacted to the planned R-360 global franchise league, fronted by former English centre Mike Tindall. It is reportedly set to attract top players with big-money offers like IPL cricket and LIV golf. Gilpin says they welcome any investment if it creates a more financially sustainable game. World Rugby enforces the release of players for Test rugby from any recognised competition.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-86-cents and the euro at 20-rand-64-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-87-cents and Bitcoin trades at 118-thousand-12-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-331-dollars-72-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-55-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….