News 17:00

BULLETIN 24 July 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa says effective governance and reforms are critical for economic sustainability
# Bester and his co-accused’s pre-trial has been postponed following a lawyer’s withdrawal
# And Olympic Games: Canada apologises after a drone was used to spy on New Zealand’s women’s soccer team

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says effective governance and strategic reforms are crucial for South Africa’s economic sustainability. Responding to the debate on the Presidency’s budget vote, he highlighted the seventh administration’s role in prioritising development and policy implementation. Members of Parliament are set to vote on the budget tomorrow. Ramaphosa defended the use of coordinating committees and initiatives like Operation Vulindlela: 

# The Free State High Court has postponed the pre-trial conference of convicted murderer Thabo Bester and his co-accused to next Wednesday. This follows the withdrawal of the legal representative for accused number three and six, Kagisho Moruri, citing no financial instructions. Accused number two’s legal team offered to represent the duo, pending consultation. Deputy judge president Cagney Musi made the ruling:

# Education activist Hendrick Makaneta urges Pretoria High School for Girls to foster regular dialogues on race and racism. The plea follows the suspension of 12 learners accused of racist behaviour. Makaneta argues that disciplinary measures alone are insufficient to combat racism. He urges government to introduce diversity training for staff and establish clear anti-racism policies, creating a safe, respectful learning environment for all:  

# Olympic Games: New Zealand has laid a complaint against Canada with the International Olympic Committee’s Integrity Unit after it’s women’s soccer team’s preparations in St Etienne were disrupted by a drone. It says it was flown by a staff member of the Canadian team they play in Pool A tomorrow. New Zealand’s Olympic Committee says the incident was immediately reported to French police, who detained the operator. Team Canada has since apologised and is investigating the issue.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-33-cents and the euro at 19-rand-90-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-69-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-488-dollars-93-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-417-dollars-42-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 81-dollars-53-cents a barrel.

# And, a study by Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering reveals indoor fireplaces release harmful particles that can cause health issues. Researchers found particle levels from indoor fireplaces exceeded the World Health Organisation’s guidelines, posing risks like early deaths and stunted lung function in children. PhD candidate Rita van der Walt highlighted that prolonged exposure to these particles is particularly dangerous for those with chronic heart or lung conditions. The study underscores the need for awareness about the health risks of indoor fireplaces and calls for further research.

Stay tuned for more news………….