News 12:00

BULLETIN 16 July 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA reveals that Senzo Mchunu is now under criminal investigation
# Rugby: Johan Ackermann is the Bulls’ new head coach
# And Severance leads the Emmy nominations with 27

# The DA says it has received confirmation from police that its criminal charges against Police minister Senzo Mchunu are now under investigation. The minister has been placed on special leave amid allegations of corruption and political interference in investigations. The DA’s Baxolile Nodada says Mchunu, as all other South Africans, must abide by the laws of the country, and where laws are broken, criminal investigations must follow:

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the party has postponed its national executive committee meeting to allow for more political work on key issues, including the state of the government of national unity and alliance relations. Mbalula told the media the postponement was to allow for further engagement with the South African Communist Party following its sharp criticism of the GNU and its stance of contesting future elections alone:

# The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety is warning motorists to use alternative routes following a serious incident on the R71 near Magoebaskloof, above Ruskamp, this morning. A truck carrying gas cylinders crashed and caught fire, resulting in multiple explosions and setting the nearby plantation ablaze. The department’s spokesperson, Matome Taueatsoala, says the R71 is currently closed to all traffic until further notice:

# Rugby: The Bulls have named three-time South African Coach of the Year, Johan Ackermann, as their new head coach. Jake White and the Bulls mutually parted ways after five years earlier this month after he took the team to three United Rugby Championship finals in four seasons. Ackermann has described his appointment as a dream come true. Blue Bulls Company CEO, Edgar Rathbone, says Ackermann is not just an outstanding coach, but a leader who lives and breathes the values of this union.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-92-cents and the euro at 20-rand-82-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-1-cent and Bitcoin trades at 118-thousand-193-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-339-dollars-35-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-96-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Apple TV+ series Severance has earned 27 nominations for the 77th Emmy Awards, including best drama series and lead actor for Adam Scott. HBO Max’s The Penguin has 24 nominations, with The Studio and The White Lotus tied with 23 each. Matlock star, 77-year-old Kathy Bates, is now the oldest woman nominated in the lead drama actress category. Adolescence has bagged 13 nominations, with 15-year-old Owen Cooper becoming one of the youngest ever to be nominated. The awards ceremony will be held in Los Angeles on September 14th.

Stay tuned for more news………….