News 13:00

BULLETIN 1 August 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa confirms ongoing US trade talks amid tariff uncertainty
# Firoz Cachalia is officially appointed as the acting Police minister
# And cricket: South Africa reaches the final of the World Championship of Legends with a one-run victory over Australia

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says intensive negotiations are underway with the US as countries await president Donald Trump’s tariff decisions. Speaking at the Union Buildings, Ramaphosa said South Africa has tabled a package seeking exemptions for key exports like vehicles, steel, aluminium, and citrus, while encouraging mutual investment. He emphasised that many nations face similar challenges and expressed hope for a settlement before the current negotiation window closes:

# Professor Firoz Cachalia had been sworn in as acting minister of Police at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Cachalia takes over from Senzo Mchunu, who is on special leave following corruption allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkwanazi. Yesterday, the Constitutional Court dismissed the MK Party’s challenge of Ramaphosa’s appointment powers. Cachalia, a former anti-apartheid activist, enters the role amid mounting concerns over public trust in law enforcement:

# Parliament’s portfolio committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has welcomed the appointment of Justice Dunstan Mlambo as Deputy Chief Justice. His appointment follows recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission last month. Mlambo has served as Gauteng Judge President since November 2012. Committee chairperson, Xola Nqola, says Mlambo brings with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in the judiciary. He adds that Mlambo has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the independence of the judiciary, access to justice, and the transformation of the legal system.

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse says a ruling by the High Court in Pretoria to overturn Turkish company Karpowership’s generation licences means the controversial energy deals are now officially dead and will not affect electricity prices. The licences, issued by energy regulator Nersa, were part of a planned 20-year agreement worth 200-billion-rand. OUTA’s Stefanie Fick says this legal victory protects the public from being locked into a costly and flawed deal:

# Cricket: South Africa will play Pakistan in tomorrow’s final of the World Championship of Legends at Edgbaston in England after winning their semifinal against Australia by a single run. They posted a competitive 186 for six, spearheaded by Morné van Wyk’s 76 and Jon-Jon Smuts’ 57. Former Proteas captain AB de Villiers didn’t contribute with the bat this time, but made up for it with brilliant fielding, including running out Nathan Coulter-Nile from the last ball. The Aussies ended on 185 for seven.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-33-cents and the euro at 20-rand-19-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-10-cents and Bitcoin trades at 115-thousand-262-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-295-dollars-16-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-20-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….