It’s Friday, 24 July, and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
The Western Cape High Court has temporarily halted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s impeachment proceedings while he seeks a review of the Section 89 Independent Panel Report into the theft of foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm. Parliament’s impeachment committee will study the judgment before deciding its next move, while ActionSA warns the pause could delay accountability.
At the Madlanga Commission, North West businessman Suliman Carrim asked to postpone his testimony on health grounds. Political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast says Andrea Johnson’s testimony exposed the weaponisation of law enforcement by powerful interests.
Government is investigating more than 6,000 state-owned houses to establish who occupies them and whether taxpayers are funding unnecessary costs. The Public Works and Infrastructure Director-General has 30 days to report to Minister Dean Macpherson.
South African exporters face fresh pressure after the Trump administration imposed a 12.5% tariff on selected South African goods, part of new measures affecting about 60 trading partners over alleged forced-labour practices. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has questioned the rationale.
Oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel as tensions between the United States and Iran escalate. A weaker rand and unchanged interest rates have reduced the likelihood of a fuel-price cut next month, economists warn.
The Reserve Bank has kept interest rates unchanged, surprising economists who expected a hike. It says inflation is likely to remain above 4% until early next year.
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, eight Basotho nationals and their employer have been arrested in Pretoria during a labour and immigration enforcement operation. The employer could face a R10,000 fine for every undocumented worker.
Foreign ministers from eight countries have condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem by more than 4,000 Israeli settlers, calling it a dangerous escalation.
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Banyana Banyana have their full squad together for final Women’s Africa Cup of Nations preparations in Morocco. Desiree Ellis’s side opens against Tanzania on Monday.
And finally, Formula One championship leader Kimi Antonelli heads into the Hungarian Grand Prix with a 45-point lead over Lewis Hamilton after six wins in his last 10 races.
That’s your News Bite for 24 July.
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