It’s Thursday, 23 July, and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
The South African Reserve Bank has left interest rates unchanged after predictions of the biggest increase in four years. Rising inflation and Middle East tensions had fuelled fears of another hike, but Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced a hold.
At the Madlanga Commission, IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson faced renewed scrutiny over alleged abuse of power in investigations into senior Crime Intelligence officials. She conceded that IDAC sought a Section 27 referral from MP Fadiel Adams against General Dumisani Khumalo. Advocate Sesi Baloyi also challenged inconsistencies in Johnson’s evidence about when the referral was received and when the probe was authorised.
In the Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala trial, the defence accused state witness Bethwell Cele of shooting taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and questioned inconsistencies in three police statements. Matlala and four co-accused face attempted murder and racketeering.
A second witness is due in former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption and money-laundering trial. Bantu Holomisa testified that he raised concerns in 2021 over alleged R5 million payments from an SANDF contractor.
Forty-three men have died this initiation season, with Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape recording the most deaths. Illegal initiation schools are blamed for abuse, neglect and unsafe circumcision practices.
Donald Trump wants FIFA president Gianni Infantino nominated to succeed António Guterres as UN Secretary-General, placing the football administrator in an unlikely UN contest.
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, police hunt suspected cash-in-transit robbers after firearms and a hijacked vehicle were found in Daveyton.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has dismissed speculation that he could become South Africa’s next president, saying the country has enough capable leaders.
SPORT
Gayton McKenzie has approved R3 million for South Africa’s national hockey team to compete at the World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. The once-off intervention follows criticism after players were asked to help fund the trip. The Proteas netball team opens its Commonwealth Games campaign against Malawi in Glasgow, in a Pool A featuring Australia, England, Northern Ireland and Tonga.
And finally, if Gianni Infantino reaches the United Nations, sponsorship boards and yellow cards may yet arrive at the General Assembly.
That’s your News Bite for 23 July.
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