News 15:00

BULLETIN 17 June 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Geordin Hill-Lewis says the DA’s cabinet shake-up is a careful assessment of its GNU performance
# Fuel prices push South Africa’s inflation up to 4.5-percent
# And rising port charges squeeze South Africa’s agricultural exporters 

# DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says changes to the party’s representation in the government of national unity is a carefull assessment of its performance in the role. The proposal sees Willie Aucamp move to Agriculture, replacing John Steenhuisen, who is set to become deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. David Maynier, Alexandra Abrahams, Yusuf Cassim and Jack Bloom are proposed for deputy minister positions. Hill-Lewis is awaiting president Cyril Ramaphosa’s response:

# South Africa’s consumer inflation increased to 4.5-percent last month from four-percent in April and reaching its highest level since July 2024. Statistics show the increase was mainly driven by higher fuel prices, with petrol prices up 24.8-percent and diesel prices rising 53.8-percent year-on-year. Food inflation eased to 1.9-percent, with lower prices for cereals, fruit and vegetables. Economists say fuel costs remain a key factor influencing overall inflation pressures.

Meanwhile, South African agricultural exporters are facing mounting costs as shipping lines pass on higher port charges linked to rising fuel prices. Transnet’s Fuel Neutrality Charge increased from 52-to-78-rand per container this month following a surge in diesel costs. Industry experts warn the added expenses come as farmers already grapple with higher fuel and fertiliser prices. However, relief may be possible if global energy markets stabilise, allowing port charges and shipping surcharges to decrease in coming months. 

# RISE Mzansi raises concern over South Africa’s rising disaster response costs, following the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ parliamentary reply revealing about 14.7-billion-rand was spent nationally over the past decade. Spokesperson Makashule Gana says the figure excludes provincial and municipal spending, warning the absence of a centralised database undermines coordination, transparency and planning. He calls for integrated disaster spending data, a vetted supplier system, and stronger adaptation measures:

# Golf: Defending champion JJ Spaun is attempting to replicate his preparation that delivered him the US Open crown at Oakmont last year. The 35-year-old American could become only the eighth player to win back-to-back US Open titles, a group that includes Brooks Koepka, Ben Hogan, Curtis Strange, and Willie Anderson. Spaun, who captured his third PGA Tour title at the Texas Open in April, has been working on a variation of shots:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-23-cents and the euro at 18-rand-80-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-74-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-680-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-327-dollars-61-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 79-dollars-24-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….