News 15:00

BULLETIN 8 July 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa is asked to extend the lifespan of the Madlanga commission to ensure full accountability
# An expert says the unrest over illegal immigration could damage tourism and trade
# And rugby: The Junior Boks’ coach says there are areas of improvement heading into the World Championship semifinals

# The Public Servants Association calls on president Cyril Ramaphosa to extend the lifespan of the Madlanga commission. With less than a month left until the hearings wrap up, the commission is engaging with the Presidency about an extension. PSA spokesperson, Claude Naicker, says an extension will enable the commission to hear all relevant evidence arising from both the Police Service and Correctional Services, ensuring no credible allegation remains unexplored:

# The Helen Suzman Foundation has welcomed the Constitutional Court judgment declaring two provisions of the Refugees Act unconstitutional. It found any person seeking asylum cannot be denied access to the system for failing to provide the required documents or report to a refugee reception office within the stipulated five-day window. The foundation’s Chanel van der Linde told Channel Africa the ruling reaffirms South Africa’s international and constitutional obligations towards refugees:

Meanwhile, migration expert Loren Landau says anti-illegal immigration protests could cost South Africa billions of rand by damaging investor confidence and the country’s international reputation. Landau told CapeTalk the impact extends beyond vandalism and disrupted businesses, affecting tourism, trade, and future investment. He warns ongoing violence linked to anti-illegal immigration could make international investors and partners reconsider doing business with South Africa.

# The United Nations Trade and Development agency says foreign direct investment into Africa reached about 1.1-trillion-rand last year, making it the continent’s third-highest inflow since 1990 despite a decline from 2024. Its World Investment Report 2026 says investors remain focused on energy, infrastructure, critical minerals and technology. While greenfield project values declined, project numbers increased, signalling continued long-term confidence. The agency says African countries must convert investment into jobs, industrial growth, skills development and stronger regional supply chains.

# Rugby: Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote says there are still areas they need to improve on before facing England in Monday’s semifinal of the Junior World Championship in Georgia. South Africa fought back from a 14-point deficit to beat Wales 52-33 and reach the penultimate round, scoring eight tries to five. Foote says from a defensive perspective and in terms of ball retention, there are definitely things they need to work on:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-41-cents and the euro at 18-rand-72-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-89-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-25-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-and-50-dollars-32-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-4-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….