News 18:00

BULLETIN 7 August 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The IEC publishes the election timetable for the 2026 local government elections
# AfriForum warns the Gas Bill risks investment and property rights
# And, rugby, sweeping changes made to the Argentinian side for the encounter with the Boks

# The Electoral Commission has published the official timetable for this year’s local government elections following the proclamation of 4 November as election day. The timetable marks the start of the formal election process, with candidate nominations opening immediately and closing on 28 August. IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya told the media the timetable provides clear deadlines to ensure the elections are free, fair and transparent:

# AfriForum has warned the proposed Gas Bill could undermine competition, investment certainty and property rights if passed in its current form. The organisation says the legislation grants the National Energy Regulator of South Africa excessive powers over licensing, gas pricing and infrastructure. AfriForum’s Lambert de Klerk, urges government to ensure transparent regulation and stronger protection of property rights:

# The City of Cape Town has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in women leaders as a way of strengthening public service delivery. Speaking at the second annual Women in Government Conference, mayoral committee member for Corporate Services, Theresa Uys, said inclusive leadership, digital innovation and skills development are key to improving service delivery. Uys added the city continues to support women through bursaries, internships, career development and skills programmes to build a stronger and more inclusive public sector.

# Authorities in Slovakia have safely destroyed a massive World War Two bomb discovered in the Danube River after a major operation involving police, bomb disposal experts and emergency services. The unexploded bomb was found during routine work near the river, prompting the evacuation of nearby areas as a precaution. Specialists carried out a controlled detonation to eliminate the threat safely. No injuries were reported. Officials say the incident highlights the continuing danger posed by unexploded wartime explosives, which are still occasionally uncovered across Europe more than 80 years after the war.

# Rugby: The Argentinian coach Felipe Contepomi has made 13 changes to his side for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks in Buenos Aires. He overhauled both the forward pack and backline as the team look to bounce back with a strong performance against the world champions. South Africa will be aiming to continue building momentum ahead of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has stressed the importance of the clash, saying it offers returning players valuable game time while helping the team sharpen combinations before the demanding tour.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-16-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-68-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-81-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-969-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-339-dollars-92-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-79-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….