News 08:00

BULLETIN 4 July 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cosatu supports the municipal workers’ national march
# Argentina survive the Cape Verde scare to reach the World Cup last 16
# And Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tie the knot in a New York celebration

# Union federation Cosatu has pledged its support for municipal union Samwu’s national day of action next Thursday in Tshwane. The march to the National Treasury is expected to highlight concerns including delayed salary payments, unfair labour practices, non-compliance with collective agreements and job insecurity. Cosatu’s Zanele Sabela urges the government and municipalities to address workers’ grievances and restore stability in local government:

# Employment and Labour minister Nomakhosazana Meth says social dialogue remains key to finding practical solutions and maintaining stable labour relations. This follows talks between the Registrar of Labour Relations and the Public Servants Association over the union’s possible deregistration. Ministry spokesperson Thobeka Magcai say the parties agreed to continue discussions, with the Registrar indicating a willingness to help the PSA address its registration challenges through engagement rather than legal action:

# AfriForum says poor oversight and a lack of accountability continue to contribute to the decline of municipalities. The organisation has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information application to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, seeking records on the appointment and oversight of senior municipal officials. AfriForum’s Deidré Steffens says the information will help determine whether officials are being held accountable and whether government interventions are improving governance in struggling municipalities:

# The Western Cape Treasury has launched a new supply chain practitioner learnership to train 200 government officials in public procurement. The one-year programme will equip participants with the skills and qualifications needed to manage public funds responsibly and improve service delivery. Funded by the Transport Education and Training Authority, the learnership combines classroom training with practical workplace experience. Finance MEC Deidré Baartman says the programme will strengthen transparency, accountability and ethical decision-making in public procurement.

# Soccer: Argentina were given a huge scare in Miami, before ending Cape Verde’s fairytale run at the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi netted his 20th World Cup goal in a 3-2 win, after extra-time to reach the last 16. Messi extended his own record of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup games and is now two goals ahead in the battle to be the competition’s all-time top goal scorer. Cape Verde served warning of what they were capable of by holding Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws in Group H to reach the knockout stages in their first World Cup appearance.

# And finally: Pop music megastar Taylor Swift and football player Travis Kelce are married. The singer’s publicist announced on Friday that the Grammy-winning musician had wed the Kansas City ‌Chiefs star. Guests attended a star-studded celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York that capped a three-year love story. Comedian Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, with Swift’s brother, Austin Swift, serving as “man of honor” and Kelce’s brother, retired football star Jason Kelce, as best man. Jennifer Lopez, Ed Sheeran, Ethan Hawke, Jimmy Fallon and Abby Wambach were among the stars attending the ceremony.

Stay tuned for more news………….