News 18:00

BULLETIN 30 June 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# An expert says the fear of retaliation makes rejecting seniors’ sexual advances difficult for juniors
# AfriForum says South Africa’s crime crisis demands the decentralisation of policing powers
# Rugby: Maro Itoje captains the Lions against the Reds in a new-look starting-15

# Gender expert from Wits University, Lisa Vetten, has told the tribunal probing Eastern Cape High Court Judge Selby Mbenenge’s alleged sexual harassment matter, that power dynamics make it hard for juniors to say no to seniors. Mbenenge is accused of making unwanted advances toward court secretary Andiswa Mengo between 2021 and ’22. Addressing the tribunal in Sandton, Johannesburg, Vetten highlighted how fear of victimisation and workplace retaliation often silences victims:

# AfriForum warns that Operation Shanela Two may not succeed without structural reforms to decentralise policing powers. The organisation argues while national efforts to tackle crime are welcome, government’s centralised policing model has repeatedly failed. AfriForum’s Jacques Broodryk says local safety structures such as neighbourhood and farm watches have proven more effective in many areas and should be better supported:

# SANParks has called on visitors to the Kruger National Park to pre-book and observe park rules during the school holidays, ending on 21 July. Spokesperson JP Louw says gate quotas and time slots will be enforced, with extra staff monitoring road safety and conduct. Louw advised tourists to plan trips carefully, respect signage, and consult official platforms for updates on road closures and park alerts. In addition, vehicles without number plates will be denied entry.

# At least 935 people were killed in Iran during its 12-day war with Israel. Iranian state media reports the death toll included 132 women and 38 children. Israel launched a major bombing campaign, killing top military commanders and atomic scientists. The Israeli strikes hit military bases and nuclear sites as well as residential areas. Iran retaliated with waves of missiles and drone strikes which hit major cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing 28 people according to Israeli authorities. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on 24 June.

# Rugby: Tour captain Maro Itoje will lead the British and Irish Lions for the first time in Wednesday’s match against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, Australia. Head coach Andy Farrell made 14 changes to the starting team that pummelled Western Force 54-7 in Perth on Saturday, with flyhalf Finn Russell the only player remaining. His half-back partner will be Jamison Gibson-Park, while Irish lock James Ryan is due for his debut off the bench. Meanwhile, Welshman Tomos Williams is returning home after sustaining an injury in Perth.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-78-cents and the euro at 20-rand-86-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-35-cents and Bitcoin trades at 107-thousand-345-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-282-dollars-67-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-49-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….