News 17:00

BULLETIN 24 August 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA leader says the ANC cannot be trusted to fix municipal failures
# Matlala is still in the dark as the Commission proceeds
# And soccer: McKenzie asks SAFA to return 13-million-rand for a Video Assistant Referee after failure to implement it

# DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says the ANC cannot be trusted to fix the struggling municipalities it has allowed to collapse. According to Hill-Lewis, the ANC’s promises to turn municipalities around within 100 days and fill critical vacancies within 120 days lack credibility. He states the DA would focus on better management, fighting corruption, protecting municipal funds and appointing people based on their skills rather than political connections:

# Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has told the Madlanga Commission that he remains in the dark and has not had sufficient opportunity to fully consider his legal team’s arguments. Matlala appeared at the Madlanga Commission after previously declining to answer questions related to the 228-million-rand SAPS Medicare24 tender. Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga rejected advocate Fatima Missi’s request for a postponement, ruling that proceedings would continue with arguments on Matlala’s application:

# Five accused linked to an alleged 600-million-rand drug manufacturing operation in Musina, Limpopo, have had their case postponed to Friday. The matter was delayed to allow for further investigations and to secure a Spanish-language interpreter. The accused include two Mexican nationals, two Zimbabweans and a Malawian citizen. They were arrested during a Hawks-led operation at a farm where authorities allegedly uncovered a large-scale crystal methamphetamine manufacturing facility. Drugs, equipment and cash were seized.

# Zambia’s election dispute has escalated, with courts across the country sealed off on the final day for filing a legal challenge to president Hakainde Hichilema’s re-election. Lawyers were reportedly turned away from court buildings in Lusaka by armed men, while police tape blocked access. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile, who came second in the 13 August election, has said he plans to challenge the result but is currently in hiding. Hichilema won about 60-percent of the vote, compared with 38-percent for Mundubile. The opposition has raised concerns over irregularities.

# Soccer: Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has written to the South African Football Association demanding the return of 13-million-rand allocated for Video Assistant Referee implementation. McKenzie says Safa failed to introduce VAR this season despite receiving funds meant to improve officiating. The funds were intended to introduce VAR in local football to improve refereeing decisions. He says Safa has now requested a 21-day grace period to repay the money:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-1-cent against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-68-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-84-cents and Bitcoin trades at 78-thousand-924-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-672-dollars-83-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 94-dollars-37-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….