News 18:00

BULLETIN 25 August 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Bheki Cele is under scrutiny following calls to the arrested Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala
# ACSA launches a 21.7-billion-rand investment to become a future-ready airport operator
# And soccer: Kobbie Mainoo faces an uncertain future at Manchester United

# Former Police minister Bheki Cele faces renewed scrutiny after reports revealed he made ten unanswered calls to tender tycoon Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala days before his arrest. According to News24, Cele dismissed questions, stating he was not a schoolboy. Matlala, facing fraud and corruption charges over a cancelled 360-million-rand SAPS contract, had previously hosted Cele at his luxury Pretoria penthouse. Analysts say the calls raise suspicion of political ties, increasing pressure on Cele as he heads to the ANC’s Integrity Commission.

# Airports Company South Africa is set to invest 21.7-billion-rand over five years, focusing on OR Tambo, Cape Town, and regional airports. CEO Mpumi Mpofu highlighted innovation and digitisation partnerships with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and The Innovation Hub for aviation research, predictive maintenance, and biometric passenger journeys. The plan also strengthens supply chain transformation, while advancing renewable energy and global connectivity. Mpofu also says despite global threats, South Africa remains resilient:

Moving abroad:

# At least 20 people, including four journalists, were reportedly killed in today’s Israeli strike on a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip. A Reuters cameraman and an Associated Press journalist were among the victims at Nasser Hospital, while another is reported to have worked for Al Jazeera. Several people were killed in an initial strike, and others in a second which happened as rescuers attended the scene. This comes two weeks after six journalists were killed in a targeted Israeli attack near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

# Soccer: Kobbie Mainoo is facing an uncertain future at Manchester United after manager Ruben Amorim revealed the midfielder is competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for a place in the team. The English international has yet to feature for United this Premier League season, missing both the opening-day defeat by Arsenal and Sunday’s 1-all draw at Fulham. The 20-year-old was overlooked by Amorim at Craven Cottage as United chased victory after Fulham’s Emile Smith Rowe cancelled out the Rodrigo Muniz own-goal which had given the visitors the lead.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-56-cents and the euro at 20-rand-55-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-72-cents and Bitcoin trades at 112-thousand-62-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-371-dollars-62-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-10-cents a barrel. 

# And finally: The City of Cape Town unveiled its latest publication spotlighting the Mother City’s vibrant arts and culture scene. The booklet showcases theatres, galleries, and a classical music guide, highlighting Cape Town’s colourful cultural landscape. Mayoral committee member for Economic Growth, James Vos, says the publication speaks to findings that travellers are increasingly seeking out experiences that centre on a destination’s distinctive character:

Stay tuned for more news………….