News 15:00

BULLETIN 8 September 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Stronger imports constrain South African growth in the second quarter
# Minister Aucamp signs a deal to export South African cherries to China
# And rugby: Erasmus is expecting another epic encounter against the All Blacks

# Statistics South Africa has revealed that South Africa’s imports rose by 4.9-percent between April and June, driven by increased purchases of machinery, electrical equipment and mineral products. Exports grew by 0.9-percent, supported by higher sales of precious metals and stones. Investment declined for a second consecutive quarter, mainly due to weaker construction and transport equipment spending. In addition, household consumption increased by 0.4-percent, with consumers spending more on food, beverages and hospitality. Inventories also increased by 8.8-billion-rand during the quarter.

Meanwhile, Agriculture minister Willie Aucamp signed a protocol opening the Chinese market to South African cherries for the first time. The agreement was signed in Beijing during the ninth sanitary and phytosanitary ministerial meeting. Aucamp says it is record-breaking, as it marks two market access protocols signed with China within a year. He says the move will have huge economic benefits, with China importing cherries worth over 52-billion-rand last year, and is expected to create around 600 new jobs.

# Police arrested 30 foreign nationals and seized illegal mining equipment during a crackdown in Mohlakeng, Gauteng. The operation targeted illegal mining activities, with officers confiscating mining gear, gold-bearing material and other tools. Police spokesperson Tintswalo Sibeko says the suspects are expected to face charges related to illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act. He adds police have vowed to continue operations to curb illegal mining, which poses safety and environmental risks.

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is expecting a massive backlash from the All Blacks in Saturday’s fourth and final Test in Baltimore. He made two changes to the starting line-up – Damian Willemse replaces injured Cheslin Kolbe at fullback, and scrumhalf Morné van den Berg replaces Cobus Reinach, who drops to the bench. Erasmus believes the Boks must build on their attacking intent, with victory required to seal a 3-1 series triumph:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-2-cents and the euro at 18-rand-60-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-68-cents and Bitcoin trades at 78-thousand-444-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-405-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 100-dollars-49-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The National Gambling Board says gambling must remain a form of entertainment and should never be regarded as a source of income or a solution to financial difficulty. The board, in collaboration with Africa Imagine Alliance, has joined African gambling regulators and stakeholders in observing Africa Safer Gambling Week. Acting CEO, Lungile Dukwana, says gambling always carries the risk of financial loss and chasing losses can deepen financial distress:

Stay tuned for more news………….