News 12:00

BULLETIN 7 August 12pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Centre for Migrations and Society says border closures won’t stop human trafficking
# Health minister Motsoaledi will start implementing a section of the NHI Act
# And, cricket: The rusty Proteas take on the Windies in the first Test in Port of Spain

# The Centre for Migrations and Society says closing South African borders won’t halt human trafficking. Ninety Ethiopian nationals, suspected victims of trafficking, were recently rescued in Johannesburg, living in inhumane conditions. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, the centre’s Loren Landau emphasised the need for enhanced policies by the Border Management Authority, Home Affairs, and other stakeholders to prevent trafficking cases:

# Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi says he will begin implementing Section 57 of the National Health Insurance Act, while also embarking on a roadshow to meet all stakeholders to understand their concerns. Section 57 deals with transitional mechanisms that the NHI will require, including the appointment of a ministerial advisory committee. The NHI Act, which has been signed by president Cyril Ramaphosa, has not yet been promulgated. Motsoaledi says NHI could take 15 years to implement.

# The High Court in Pretoria is awaiting action from the City of Tshwane after it declared the exclusive Afrikaner township of Kleinfontein illegal. The court also ruled that those living in the 650-odd houses there are acting illegally. The metro has been ordered to enforce all relevant laws relating to planning and building regulations relating to the farms comprising the Kleinfontein settlement. The settlement also has underpaid property rates, which is straining Tshwane’s finances.

# Cricket: The first of two Tests between South Africa and the West Indies starts in Port of Spain today. The Proteas hope to get their World Test Championship campaign on track. They are currently in seventh position. The Windies, who are in ninth place, have just returned from a Test series in England, while most of the South Africans have not played Tests since December. Protea seamer Kagiso Rabada says it’s up to Test players to play an attractive brand to keep the format alive.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-35-cents and the euro at 20-rand-5-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-33-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-784-dollars-47-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-390-dollars-44-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 76-dollars-78-cents a barrel.

# And finally, the minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has paid tribute to legendary award-winning actress Connie Chiume, describing her passing as a profound loss for the world of arts and culture. The 72-year-old died in hospital yesterday following a short illness. Chiume is well-known for television shows including Rhythm City and Zone 14. She also featured in the Hollywood Marvel blockbuster Black Panther. The ministry’s spokesperson, Cassiday Rangata-Jacobs, says Chiume’s talent transcended borders:

Stay tuned for more news………….