News 16:00

BULLETIN 7 August 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cabinet acts on the US tariffs
# Minister Dean Macpherson vows to dismantle corruption networks within the Independent Development Trust
# And minister Gwarube gazettes the first BELA regulations for public comment

# Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says president Cyril Ramaphosa’s phone call to US counterpart Donald Trump was aimed at bolstering negotiations. Cabinet responded to the 30-percent US tariffs set to take effect at midnight by reaffirming its commitment to securing a sustainable trade deal. Ntshavheni says cabinet aims to diversify exports and strengthen global supply chains to safeguard the economy and protect jobs:

# Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, says he is determined to dismantle criminal networks within the Independent Development Trust. This follows after he opened a criminal case against suspended CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane, accused of attempting to bribe a journalist to bury a corruption story. Speaking outside the Cape Town Central police station, Macpherson promised to take firm action to root out corruption and restore public trust. He pledged to protect whistleblowers and journalists exposing wrongdoing:

The South African National Editors’ Forum has meanwhile cautioned journalists against unethical conduct. SANEF’s Hopewell Radebe condemns Malaka’s alleged bribery move and warned that journalists accepting bribes will face prosecution. He stressed that media professionals must uphold ethics, fight corruption, and maintain integrity.

# Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube has officially gazetted the first two draft regulations under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act for public comment. The regulations, on school admissions and capacity, mark a milestone in implementing the act, which came into effect in December last year. The regulations are designed to uphold learners’ rights, improve school functionality and balance powers between governing bodies and government. Gwarube urged South Africans to engage meaningfully in shaping the future of education. Regulations will be released modularly as they are finalised and vetted.

# Soccer: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the Gunners believe this season will be different as they aim to get over a series of near misses at winning silverware. Arteta has not won a trophy since lifting the FA Cup in his debut season in charge in 2019/20. However, he has transformed Arsenal back into serial contenders for major trophies. Arteta’s men have finished second in the Premier League for the past three years and reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009 last season.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-70-cents and the euro at 20-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-77-cents and Bitcoin trades at 116-thousand-350-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-378-dollars-59-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-1-cent a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….