News 07:00

BULLETIN 25 June 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# John Steenhuisen says the DA’s core mission in the government of national unity is to serve
# The ANC urges a timely formation of the cabinet
# And rugby: The Australian Angus Gardner withdraws as ref for the Bok test against Ireland

# The DA leader John Steenhuisen says the party’s core mission in the government of national unity is to serve, uplift and deliver dignity to all the people. The party celebrated 20 years since it was formed yesterday. Steenhuisen says the coming together of parties that seek to protect the Constitution against those who would tear it up, represents a hopeful moment for the country. He says it will take years of sustained hard work, perseverance, maturity and cooperation across all sectors of society to get the country back on track.

Meanwhile, the ANC says the formation of the government of national unity cabinet is guided by principles of inclusivity and competency. This approach considers electoral outcomes, national interest, and competency in appointing cabinet members. The party confirmed phase two of establishing the government of national unity, including the cabinet formation, is underway. It urges unity and collaboration among political parties within the government. The ANC says it is crucial to promptly form the cabinet to address the pressing needs of the people.

And Al Jama-ah says it joined the government of national unity to weaken the DA and its allies. The party rejects a DA-led coalition due to its support for Zionist policies and minority rule. It claims external interference in the elections favoured the DA. Party leader Ganief Hendricks wants a progressive government of national unity that includes like-minded parties to counter the DA’s influence:

# The South African Social Security Agency has confirmed early payment dates for its various grants for July. Due to 6 July falling on a Saturday, payments will be adjusted. Older persons’ grants will be paid on 2 July, disability grants on 3 July, and children’s grants on 4 July. These grants support about 18 million South Africans, refugees, and asylum seekers monthly since May 2020.

# Rugby:  Australian referee Angus Gardner has withdrawn from officiating the Springboks’ test series with Ireland for personal reasons and will now be replaced by English referee Luke Pearce. World Rugby made the announcement on Monday, without any further reasons.  However, the move has necessitated an entire shift of referees across the international July window to accommodate the change. Pearce will be the referee on 6 July for the Springboks’ first test against Ireland, with Karl Dickson on 13 July for the second test against the Irish.  The British female referee Hollie Davidson will officiate in Bloemfontein where South Africa will play Portugal on 20 July.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-10-cents and the euro at 19-rand-43-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-97-cents and Bitcoin trades at 60-thousand-580-dollars-4-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-326-dollars-6-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-7-cents a barrel.

# And in closing: A museum in Tasmania found an innovative workaround when it was told it couldn’t restrict access to its women-only ‘Ladies Lounge’. It has hung an artwork by Picasso in a female toilet cubicle. Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art was found to have discriminated against a man who was refused entry to the museum’s women-only ‘Ladies Lounge’ space last year, despite having paid for museum admission. Euronews reports curator Kirsha Kaechele vowed to explore possible loopholes, including converting the lounge into a toilet.

Stay tuned for more news………….