News 16:00

BULLETIN 1 August 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AfriForum says the US tariffs are the bitter fruit of the ANC’s denialism of human rights concerns
# Acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia warns against the abuse of power
# And rugby: Four new faces in Western Province’s starting team against the Lions

# AfriForum says the new 30-percent US tariffs on South African exports are the result of the ANC-led government’s failure to address human rights concerns, particularly those affecting minorities. The civil rights organisation blames racially discriminatory policies like black economic empowerment as a key sticking point in US negotiations. AfriForum’s Ernst van Zyl says they will continue to lobby the US to target ANC leaders, rather than punishing ordinary South Africans:

# Newly appointed acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia says the abuse of policing power is a growing concern. Speaking outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Cachalia stressed that police must act within the law when confronting violent criminals. Cachalia cited incidents like Marikana and Andries Tatane, warning against lawlessness. He promised full support for members while prioritizing effective, accountable, and well-run policing to ensure better outcomes:

# Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has called on government to protect vulnerable children from possible exclusion from schools in the 2026 academic year. This comes after Operation Dudula announced it’s plan to block undocumented foreign children from entering public schools next year. Makaneta says this action is not only deeply unethical but also unlawful and contrary to the values of South Africa’s Constitution:

Moving abroad:

# Germany will soon start delivering two more US-made Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, as Kyiv faces a growing number of Russian drone and missile attacks. The German Defence Ministry says after reaching an agreement with the United States, the German military will deliver additional Patriot launchers in the coming days, and will supply further components in the next two to three months. In return, Germany has agreed with the US Defense Department that it will be the first country to receive expedited delivery of new-generation Patriot systems.

# Rugby: There are four new faces in Western Province’s starting line-up for the Currie Cup encounter with the Lions in Johannesburg tomorrow. The changes in the backline come on both wings, with Sako Makata and Jared Africa both back to start, while Junior Springbok star Gino Cupido comes onto the replacements bench. Up front, former Junior Springbok captain Zachary Porthen starts at tighthead prop. In the loose trio Louw Nel moves to the back of the scrum, while Gideon van Wyk starts at blindside flank. Kick-off is at 3 pm.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-31-cents and the euro at 20-rand-87-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-1-cent and Bitcoin trades at 115-thousand-328-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-303-dollars-34-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-27-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….