News 09:00

BULLETIN 2 July 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC says if the US-Iran deal holds, further fuel price cuts can be expected
# ActionSA condemns the City of Cape Town’s decision to fund migrant repatriation
# And, at least two are killed in a series of Russian missile attacks in Kyiv

# The ANC says the substantial reduction in fuel prices, which took effect from yesterday, demonstrates the importance of maintaining sound economic management that supports stability and growth. 93-octane petrol has dropped by 2-rand-01-cents cents, while 95-octane is down by 1-rand-96-cents per litre. Diesel prices have decreased and now cost between 3-rand-14-cents and 3-rand-58-cents per litre less. The ANC says if the US-Iran deal holds and the movement of oil-carrying vessels returns to normalcy, further fuel price cuts can be expected in South Africa in the coming months.

# Acting Police minister, Firoz Cachalia says the collaborative approach adopted by all spheres of government contributed significantly to maintaining public order on Tuesday, while protecting the constitutional rights of citizens. He met with all premiers, MECs responsible for Community Safety, and mayors of metropolitan municipalities yesterday evening, following Tuesday’s anti-illegal immigration protests. The ministry’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, says Cachalia has cautioned that vigilance must be maintained, noting indications from organisers that demonstrations may continue every Thursday until the local government elections:

# ActionSA has strongly condemned the City of Cape Town’s decision to commit municipal funds towards the repatriation of undocumented migrants. The party says this comes just days after imposing a 48-percent increase in MyCiTi bus fares on residents already under severe cost-of-living pressure. ActionSA’s Dereleen James says the funding of the transportation of undocumented migrants is a function that falls squarely within the mandate and financial responsibility of the national government. She says this raises serious questions about the metro’s spending priorities:

# Russia launched dozens of cruise and ballistic missiles in Kyiv, Ukraine, overnight, killing at least two people and wounding eleven. The attack destroyed several residential buildings and damaged a hotel in central Kyiv. Ukraine has launched an unprecedented drone campaign against Moscow in the past month, targeting energy infrastructure in long-range drone attacks. According to reports, Russia has adopted new tactics in its mass strikes on Ukraine, launching more ballistic missiles to exploit Kyiv’s shortage of Patriot air defence systems and focusing on new, more devastating targets.

# Soccer: Co-hosts the United States, England and Belgium are through to the World Cup last 16. The US defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in Santa Clara. Two goals from captain Harry Kane saw England come from behind to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in Atlanta. This is the first time England has won a World Cup knockout game from behind in 60 years. In Seattle, Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time. The US will face Belgium, and England will take on co-hosts Mexico in the last 16.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-38-cents and the euro at 18-rand-65-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-77-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 60-thousand-691-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-62-dollars-46-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 70-dollars-91-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….