News 15:00

BULLETIN 11 July 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Drakenstein municipality evacuates residents of Newton amid fears a dam wall may collapse
# Cape Town cautions on cemetery operations amid heavy rainfall
# And, rugby: Gatland wants more discipline from his Welsh team for the second Test against Australia

# The Drakenstein municipality in the Western Cape has evacuated residents from Newton in Wellington amid fears a dam wall may collapse. This follows heavy rainfall, with more showers expected today. The South African Weather Service warns of more intense cold fronts making landfall this week, with the first front anticipated today and others tomorrow and Saturday. Weather forecaster Stella Nake says these cold fronts will bring cold, wet, and windy conditions:

Meanwhile, Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department warns of potential delays and changes to burial plans due to saturated water tables in cemeteries. The department will closely monitor cemetery operations amidst persistent rainfall, affecting grave-digging and burial arrangements. Families and undertakers are urged to cooperate and exercise caution. Mayoral committee member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross, also recommends timely arrivals to alleviate parking congestion:

# Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, is visiting the families of learners who died in a Carletonville accident. Twelve learners and their driver were killed when a bakkie hit their learner transport, causing it to overturn and burst into flames. Eleven learners from Rockland Primary and one from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig died. Seven others are recovering in hospital. Spokesperson Steve Mabona says Chiloane is saddened by the loss.

 # Rugby: Welsh coach Warren Gatland wants more discipline from his team in Saturday’s second Test against Australia in Melbourne. The Welshmen slipped to their eighth consecutive defeat last weekend when they lost 25-16 to the Wallabies. They also lost experienced eighthman Aaron Wainwright and winger Josh Hathaway to injuries. Gatland expects the hosts to go up another level in Melbourne after winning their first match under new coach Joe Schmidt. Wales last won a Test in Australia in 1969.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-8-cents and the euro at 19-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-28-cents and Bitcoin trades at 58-thousand-490-dollars-21-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-380-dollars-96-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-36-cents a barrel.

# And, TransUnion reports that over half of South Africans now monitor their credit reports, aiming to enhance credit scores, manage debt, and prepare for new credit accounts. This trend reflects increased awareness amid economic challenges and high fraud risks. The study highlights significant benefits from credit monitoring, aiding better financial management and access to credit. TransUnion Africa’s Lee Naik notes the effectiveness of monitoring for improving credit profiles amidst evolving financial landscapes.

Stay tuned for more news………….