News 18:00

BULLETIN 2 August 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Israeli police rescue five South African women from sex trafficking 
# Improved electricity supply in South Africa could alter the renewable investment landscape
# And, rugby: Kolisi is reportedly on his way back from France

# Israeli police have dismantled a South African human trafficking ring, rescuing five South African women from forced prostitution in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. According to News24, three women were found during a raid on a brothel in Jerusalem in June, leading to further discoveries in Tel Aviv where two more women were rescued. Four South Africans and a Nigerian-South African dual national have been arrested, with further arrests expected. The victims reported severe abuse and mistreatment. 

# South Africa’s improved electricity supply might lead to reduced investment opportunities in renewables. According to Westbrooke Alternative Asset Management’s Dino Zuccollo, government’s rapid transition to renewable energy, supported by amendments to the Income Tax Act, encouraged significant investments. He believes, however, that as electricity stability improves, these incentives may be reconsidered when the legislation is reviewed on March 1 next year. Recent data shows a 5.4-percent increase in electricity production and a 3.3-percent rise in consumption.

# The City of Tshwane has charged 48 Tshwane Bus Service drivers with abscondment after missing a disciplinary hearing. They were initially charged for participating in illegal strikes and neglecting duties, and failing to report for duty. Spokesperson Lindela Mashigo says this led to disrupted bus operations, affecting customers. He says the no-work, no-pay policy will be enforced:

# Rugby: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is reportedly on his way home from France. This follows after Racing 92’s owner, Jacky Lorenzetti, lamented him in public recently, accusing him of gaining weight and losing shape. Kolisi joined the French giants after last year’s World Cup with a reported annual salary of 20-million-rand, while the club also paid the Sharks 17-million-rand to buy him out of his contract, but struggled to impress after coming back from injury. The Sharks are apparently keen to have him back.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-15-cents and the euro at 19-rand-81-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-30-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-914-dollars-99-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-470-dollars-81-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 77-dollars-3-cents a barrel.

# And finally: AfriForum has launched a new smartphone app to assist its neighbourhood watch members in combating crime. The app allows patrollers to report incidents, call for help, and gather information with ease. It tracks their location during patrols, enabling swift response to incidents. Patrollers can also record voice messages, videos, and photos. AfriForum’s Jacques Broodryk says the app will improve efficiency and help monitor crime trends:  

Stay tuned for more news………….