News 06:00

BULLETIN 25 August 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says government and business must tackle economic constraints together
# The first witness will testify in the reopened Steve Biko inquest today
# And rugby: Two Boks are released to boost the Lions against the All Blacks

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says that while the state must set policy, regulate and deliver public goods, the expertise and resources of the private sector are critical to building a resilient economy. Last week, the third phase of the partnership between government and business to drive faster inclusive economic growth and create jobs was launched. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa says the partnership has, amongst other things, helped end load-shedding and strengthen operational performance at key ports. He says social partnerships are practical, delivery-focused mechanisms that achieve measurable results.  

# Alleged ‘Big Five’ cartel boss and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has refused to discuss the nature of his relationship with suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Testifying at the Madlanga commission, Matlala confirmed he knows Sibiya and had previously visited his office after requesting a meeting about a Department of Public Works lease. However, he said he could not discuss their dealings because of ongoing investigations and charges against him:

# The first witness in the reopened inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko is expected to testify at the High Court in Gqeberha today. The hearing was delayed yesterday by a dispute over funding for the legal representation of Biko’s widow, Nontsikelelo. The Justice and Constitutional Development Department has now agreed to cover the legal costs, clearing the way for the inquest to proceed. The case was reopened to examine the circumstances surrounding Biko’s death in police custody in 1977.

# Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis welcomes the opening of a new appointment-only Home Affairs office at the Civic Centre in the CBD. Residents can now apply for essential documents such as IDs and passports at the facility, which aims to make government services more accessible and ease pressure on busy Home Affairs branches. Hill-Lewis says the office is an example of effective collaboration between national and local government:

# Prime minister Andy Burnham says Britain’s support for Ukraine has not changed despite Russian threats of retaliation. He made his first official visit to Kyiv as prime minister yesterday, as the country marked its 35th anniversary of independence. Burnham says Britain will provide support for Ukraine in three key areas. He says these are: help to defend the skies, impose more sanctions against Russia, and negotiate, as Kyiv will never give up territory that Moscow cannot gain on the battlefield:

# Rugby: Few will back the Lions to end the All Blacks’ undefeated status on their South African tour in Johannesburg this evening. New Zealand looks ominous after victories over the Stormers, the Bulls, the Sharks and the Springboks in their first four tour matches. Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has named his strongest possible team, boosted by the inclusion of Quan Horn and Boan Venter, who were released from the national squad for the encounter. Kick-off at Ellis Park is at seven tonight.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-1-cents and the euro at 18-rand-68-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-83-cents and Bitcoin trades at 78-thousand-887-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-660-dollars-34-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 92-dollars-96-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….