News 13:00
BULLETIN 28 June 1 pm
Good afternoon. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# The UDM outlines 12 pillars for local government reform
# Ukraine hits refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region overnight
# And Brand SA says Bafana’s World Cup achievements boost South Africa’s global image
# The United Democratic Movement has outlined twelve pillars for local government aimed at rebuilding municipalities and restoring public trust. Priorities include reliable basic services, clean governance, fair tariffs, local economic development, housing, rural and urban renewal, and accountability, amongst others. Addressing delegates at its Sixth National Congress in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, party leader Bantu Holomisa called on elected councillors to ensure ethical leadership and improved service delivery across municipalities nationwide:
# Investigating and researching non-profit organisation, Open Secrets, has revealed that a small group of private institutions controls about six-trillion-rand in pension assets, contributing to inequality and the neglect of social priorities. The organisation argues that economic ownership in South Africa remains highly concentrated among a few major corporate players. According to the Head of Investigations Unit, Mike Marchant, reports indicate continued dominance by large investment groups. While the state, through the Public Investment Corporation, holds significant market influence, it is not able to address structural economic challenges.
# ActionSA says it is deeply concerned about Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s reported move to halt funds to the City of Johannesburg. The party blames the ANC-led administration under mayor Dada Morero for financial mismanagement, citing debts to Eskom and Rand Water. ActionSA’s Mpumi Edward says the situation threatens service delivery and calls for accountability ahead of the local government elections. She urges urgent intervention to stabilise municipal finances in Johannesburg:
# Ukrainian drones struck Russian targets, including an oil refinery in the southern Krasnodar region, overnight, as Kyiv continues energy infrastructure attacks, causing fuel shortages in parts of Russia. In a statement on Telegram, Krasnodar regional governor Veniamin Kondratiev said that a fire had broken out at the refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, with one person killed and another injured in a nearby village. The governor of the Yaroslavl region, east of Moscow, said the region had come under drone attack and temporary limits had been placed on movement on some roads to the Russian capital.
# Soccer: Lionel Messi came off the bench to score and break yet another record as Argentina maintained their perfect start to the World Cup with a comfortable victory over Jordan in Dallas. Having been left on the bench, with Argentina having already won Group J, Messi was brought on in the 60th minute to the loudest cheer of the night. He curled a low free-kick around the goal wall to extend Argentina’s lead. Jordan have now been knocked out, while Argentina faces debutant Cape Verde in their last Round of 32 game.
# And finally, Brand South Africa CEO Neville Matjie says Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup performance is strengthening the country’s global image and proving that negativity cannot undermine national resilience. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Matjie stressed that the team’s success has placed South Africa in the international spotlight, opening discussions on trade, tourism, and investment. He added that engagements in Mexico and the US have attracted interest from businesses keen to explore opportunities:
Stay tuned for more news………….