News 09:00

BULLETIN 4 July 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# SAFTU condemns the minister of Finance’s rejection of a wealth tax
# The DA says the anti-gang operation has failed to dismantle criminal networks
# And soccer:  Egypt edge Australia on penalties to reach the World Cup last 16

# The South African Federation of Trade Unions has expressed disappointment and condemnation of Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s outright rejection of a wealth tax for South Africa. SAFTU’s Asive Dyani says the Minister’s position is entirely consistent with the pro-rich fiscal posture that has characterised the government and National Treasury for years. She says the federation has consistently argued that South Africa requires a progressive wealth tax:

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has urged Chery International to support local suppliers, particularly youth-owned businesses, as it expands its operations in South Africa. Speaking at the former Nissan plant in Rosslyn, in Tshwane, Mashatile said the investment should create jobs, develop skills and help grow local businesses. He added that the project will strengthen South Africa’s automotive industry and boost local manufacturing:

Meanwhile, the Motor Industry Staff Association says growing investment by Chinese and Indian vehicle manufacturers must lead to more local manufacturing and job creation in South Africa. The union is urging the government to ensure new investors produce vehicles and components locally rather than relying on imported kits. The association’s Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says investments, including Chery’s takeover of the former Nissan plant, should protect existing jobs and create new employment opportunities for South Africans:

# The DA says acting Police minister Firoz Cachalia’s anti-gang strategy has failed to deliver results, after admitting that no gangs were dismantled during the first phase of Operation Prosper. According to the party, communities on the Cape Flats continue to face daily gang violence despite the deployment of police and soldiers. The DA’s Lisa Schickerling calls for intelligence-led policing, stronger detective work and specialist prosecutions targeting gang leaders:

# Pope Leo praised the United States’ history of welcoming immigrants in his first major address to ‌his home country on Friday. In a speech he gave live from the Vatican to the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia, Leo said ⁠he hoped that ideals of unity, justice and peace held by the Founding Fathers would guide the US as it celebrated its 250th anniversary. The US pope in the past has criticised President Donald Trump’s immigration policies as inhuman. Leo is originally from Chicago but has not visited America since becoming pope in May 2025.

# And soccer: Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the winning penalty as Egypt made history by beating a determined Australia 4-2 on penalties to reach the World Cup last 16 on Friday. The tense affair in which Egypt and their captain Mohamed Salah wasted the better chances ended one-each after 120 minutes in Texas. Both sides sensed history, with neither having won a knockout game before at a men’s World Cup. With nothing to divide them they went to penalties after extra time.  Lionel Messi’s Argentina loom next for Egypt, after the reigning champions avoided a massive upset against tournament debutants Cape Verde in their last-32 encounter.

Stay tuned for more news………….