News 16:00

BULLETIN 11 August 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Gayton McKenzie denies racism allegations and says he will not resign
# The DA slams the national dialogue as a stitch-up to save the ANC’s electoral fortunes
# And soccer: Bafana Bafana’s coach says the squad is ready for a must-win CHAN clash against Guinea

# Sports, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie says he will not resign as he accepted the role to serve the nation, not for personal gain. He is facing backlash after old racist tweets resurfaced, but McKenzie denied the allegations, stating that half his family is black. Speaking on social media, he claims it is a political smear campaign by ActionSA:

# The DA has reiterated its rejection of the government’s national dialogue as a wasteful distraction with no real plan or action to address South Africa’s deep economic and social challenges. The party has withdrawn from the dialogue set to commence on Friday and calls for practical solutions, not endless talks. DA leader John Steenhuisen told the media the national dialogue is designed to save the ANC’s electoral fortunes rather than delivering real solutions:

# Revenue Service deputy commissioner Johnstone Makhubu has outlined ambitious plans to modernise VAT systems, customs valuations, and case management at the 12th South African Institute of Taxation conference in Boksburg, Gauteng. Makhubu called for instant payment systems, e-reporting, and entity-based compliance to boost efficiency and curb illicit trade. He urged a whole-of-government approach, saying these reforms are vital to closing the tax gap and addressing unemployment, inequality, and poverty:

# The Eldorado Park community in Johannesburg has expressed outrage over the Protea Magistrate’s Court’s decision to grant 20-thousand-rand bail to former police officer Mandla Buthelezi accused of murdering his Gauteng Crime Warden girlfriend, Chesnay Keppler. Buthelezi is accused of shooting 22-year-old Keppler to death last December following a domestic dispute. He has been in custody since his arrest. The case is set to return to court next month.

# Soccer: Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki says they will approach today’s African Nations Championship group clash against Guinea in Kampala, Uganda, with respect and caution. After a 1-all draw with Algeria, South Africa needs a win to stay in contention. Ntseki warns of Guinea’s aerial strength and dangerous attackers. Guinea, beaten 3-nil by Uganda, will also be desperate for points.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-88-cents and the euro at 20-rand-66-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-86-cents and Bitcoin trades at 120-thousand-135-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-353-dollars-13-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-55-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….