It’s Tuesday, 21 July, and this is News Bite (https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast) with Gareth Edwards.
IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson appeared before the Madlanga Commission after a week-long delay. Johnson rejected allegations of political interference (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories-videos/andrea-johnson-khumalo-case-depicts-state-capture-fraud-and-corruption) in the prosecution of Dumisani Khumalo and other Crime Intelligence officials, insisting IDAC followed evidence and the normal prosecutorial process.
Crime Intelligence officer Colonel Ismail Dawood (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/update-ismail-dawood-hands-himself-over) has handed himself over after confusion over a J50 warrant sent him from Sandton Police Station to Hillbrow. He appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on intimidation and extortion charges involving R3.5 million. Dawood denies wrongdoing.
Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian products. Energy and critical minerals are exempt. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says the measures breach the North American trade agreement. (https://www.enca.com/business/trump-orders-new-50-tariff-many-canadian-goods)
Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Witness K have each been granted R5,000 bail. (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/legal-woes-deepen-julius-mkhwanazi-granted-bail-yet-again-cases-pile) They are accused of involvement in an alleged fake police operation in Killarney in 2023 involving precious stones worth nearly R15 million.
African Swine Fever (https://www.enca.com/business-news-top-stories/african-swine-fever-hits-gauteng-pork-farmers-hard) has reduced South Africa’s pig population and could push pork prices higher. Eskort says wholesale prices have risen 25%, while about 7,000 pigs are disappearing from the formal market each week. Pork sold through formal retailers remains safe.
In Britain, Prime Minister Andy Burnham (https://www.enca.com/news/burnham-becomes-pm-vowing-10-year-plan-britain) has pledged to fast-track North Sea oil and gas exploration, revive manufacturing and prioritise local goods.
West African leaders have approved the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline. The planned 6,000-kilometre route would carry Nigerian gas through 14 countries before linking into Europe via Spain. Construction is expected from 2028, but the $25 billion project faces funding and security hurdles.
SPORT
FIFA is investigating the confrontation after Spain’s World Cup final (https://www.enca.com/sport-top-stories/spains-world-champions-head-home-million-strong-madrid-welcome) victory over Argentina and a political banner displayed after Argentina’s semi-final. Dave Wessels says the pathway from schools to professional rugby is behind the Springboks’ and Junior Springboks’ success. Lionel Messi says Argentina’s defeat will leave a lasting scar. Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot, while Rodri claimed the Golden Ball.
And finally, South African telenovela The Polygamist has attracted more than 23 million Netflix views since June. Based on a novel by Sue Nyathi, it has become Africa’s biggest streaming drama and Netflix’s 19th most-watched movie of the first half of the year.
That’s your News Bite (https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast) for 21 July.
For more, visit eNCA.com (https://www.enca.com/) or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.
Chapter List
(00:00) Opening Headlines
(00:30) Andrea Johnson Faces The Madlanga Commission
(02:00) Ismail Dawood Surrenders To Police
(03:15) Trump Imposes 50% Tariffs On Canadian Products
(04:25) Mkhwanazi And Witness K Granted Bail
(05:25) African Swine Fever Threatens Pork Prices
(06:40) Andy Burnham Sets Out Britain’s Economic Plan
(07:45) West Africa Approves A 6,000km Gas Pipeline
(08:55) FIFA Investigates World Cup Final Confrontation
(10:05) South Africa’s Rugby Development Pipeline
(11:10) Messi Reflects As Mbappé And Rodri Take The Prizes
(12:20) The Polygamist Becomes A Netflix Sensation
(13:15) News Bite Wrap
