News 13:00

BULLETIN 12 July 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Iran launches major missile attacks across the Gulf
# The police seize illicit cigarettes worth 3.6-million-rand
# And Eskom reports a stronger power performance

# Iran unleashed waves of major, simultaneous missile and drone attacks across the Gulf this morning, targeting Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, and claiming further attacks in Jordan and Oman. This follows a new round of US airstrikes in Iran, in response to a new Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz last night. Euronews’ Qatar bureau reports multiple loud booms shook Doha in two waves of Iranian attacks as Qatar’s air defence intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles above the capital.

#The ANC Youth League has reiterated calls for a full and independent investigation by the Public Protector’s office over allegations involving Resolve Communications. It is claimed that former DA leader, Tony Leon, used his political influence with DA cabinet ministers to benefit private business clients. The League’s president, Collen Malatji, called for accountability and the protection of constitutional institutions and public resources:

# uMngeni Local Municipality mayor Chris Pappas says his administration will continue to deliver honest, transparent, and responsible governance after being announced as its DA mayoral candidate for a second term. Pappas says the municipality has overcome financial challenges, including settling an eleven-million-rand loan, while improving accountability and service delivery. He emphasised that his administration continues to prove critics wrong since the DA secured control of its first municipality in KwaZulu-Natal:

# Free State police have seized illicit cigarettes valued at 3.6-million-rand during a joint intelligence-driven operation in Boshof. Police spokesperson Palesa Thabana says officers searched a supermarket and a warehouse, where they recovered more than 300 boxes and 15-thousand loose packets of counterfeit cigarettes. Three men, aged 22, 44, and 56, were arrested on charges of possessing counterfeit goods and contravening the Immigration Act. The suspects are expected to appear in the Boshof Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

# Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan continues to improve electricity supply, with South Africa recording 420 consecutive days without load-shedding. The utility says the Energy Availability Factor has increased to nearly 65-percent, while unplanned outages and diesel costs have dropped significantly. Five provinces have also been removed from load reduction, benefiting more than one million customers. Eskom says sufficient generation capacity remains available to meet winter demand and maintains that no load-shedding is expected for the remainder of the winter period.

# And soccer: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has led global tributes following the death of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams. In a message of condolence, Infantino expressed sympathy to Adams’ family, friends, and teammates on behalf of FIFA and the international football community. Adams, who died at the age of 25, made his senior international debut in 2022, earned 13 caps, and scored twice during South Africa’s successful 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Stay tuned for more news………….