News 15:00

BULLETIN 7 August 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Public Service minister initiates an audit on suspended employees on full-pay
# PSiRA’s CEO says the Mpumalanga military camp was illegal
# And, cricket: The Proteas are expecting a turning track in Trinidad

# Public Service and Administration minister Inkosi Buthelezi has initiated an audit to determine how many government officials on suspension are receiving full pay. The Public Service Commission estimates the cost at 240-million-rand. Speaking on the sidelines at the inaugural Southern African Development Community’s Public Service Commission of Chairpersons meeting in Cape Town, he called for efficiency, and accountability:

# The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority’s CEO, Manabela Chauke, says the camp in White River, Mpumalanga, that was providing military training to 95 Libyan nationals was not accredited to provide the training. Chauke was giving an update on investigations related to the training conducted by Milites Dei Security Services. He says the regulator has suspended the service provider: 

# The United Nations World Food Programme secured only 20-percent in drought aid for Southern Africa. This is approximately 1.5-billion-rand of its almost eight-billion-rand target, to address the drought in seven affected countries. The region has been hit hard by the El Niño weather pattern, and faces its worst drought in decades, which resulted in widespread crop failures and food insecurity. Despite significant donor support, the WFP can only provide aid to 5.9-million of the 27-million people in need until the 2025 harvest.

# Cricket: The Proteas are expecting the spinners to play a big role during the Test series against the West Indies, starting in Port of Spain, Trinidad, today. The South Africans are considering playing both front-line spinners Dane Piedt and Keshav Maharaj, while they also have the services of part-time spinner Aiden Markram available. Coach Shukri Conrad says it is tricky to find the right bowling balance: 

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-31-cents and the euro at 20-rand-1-cent. One British pound costs 23-rand-31-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-327-dollars-19-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-396-dollars-89-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 77-dollars-70-cents a barrel.

# And, the luxury Italian brand Dolce and Gabbana has created a perfume for dogs named Fefé. It is named after the dog of one half of the famous designer duo, Domenico Dolce. The bottle features a 24-carat gold-plated paw print and is priced at over two-thousand-rand. Purchases come with a D&G dog collar and a tag. The company says Fefé has been safety-tested and approved by vets. It adds that the perfume offers a touch of opulence, making every dog walk a fragrant and fashionable affair.

Stay tuned for more news………….