News 17:00

BULLETIN 25 August 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Government Employees Medical Scheme’s principal official Stan Moloabi is suspended
# Matlala is still in the dark as the Madlanga Commission proceeds
# And tennis: Federer returns to Arthur Ashe for a special farewell

# The Government Employees Medical Scheme has placed its principal official, Stan Moloabi, on precautionary suspension pending an internal administrative process. Board chairperson Nomzamo Tutu says the suspension is an interim measure to allow the process to proceed independently and fairly. She stresses it should not be interpreted as a finding of misconduct or wrongdoing. The development comes amid sustained pressure over GEMS’ contribution increases. The scheme covers over 2.4-million public servants and their dependants. Moloabi confirmed his suspension, but said he could not comment further.

# 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:

# Two suspects have been arrested after officers of the Johannesburg Metro Police’s Tactical Response Unit intercepted illegal firearms in Lufhereng, Gauteng yesterday. Spokesperson Xolani Fihla says they acted on information about a firearm deal spotted involving a vehicle and performed a tactical stop. Inside the vehicle, police found a rifle with magazine, a pistol with magazine, and matching live ammunition. The suspects were detained and expected to appear in court soon:

# Widespread flooding caused by heavy rain from Typhoon Narra has intensified across southern China, with homes and shops submerged. Chinese state television reports more than 54-thousand people have been relocated in Guangxi. In the city of Chongzuo, more than 15-thousand people were evacuated after river levels exceeded a record set in 2008. Authorities have ordered businesses and tourist operations to close and warned residents not to return to high-risk areas. Further torrential rain is forecast in parts of southern China tomorrow.

# Tennis: Swiss maestro Roger Federer is looking forward to a special return to New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium early tomorrow morning – his first appearance since his final US Open in 2019. The 20-time Grand Slam champion will play an exhibition doubles match with former rivals Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe during US Open Fan Week. Federer says the event gives him an opportunity to thank fans and celebrate his memories of the tournament. Between them they have won a dozen singles titles at the US Open.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-97-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-77-cents and Bitcoin trades at 79-thousand-50-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-633-dollars-77-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 90-dollars-32-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….