News 16:00

BULLETIN 25 June 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC is to engage in discussions with Contralesa ahead of a national dialogue
# Saftu supports Taswu in the strike against retrenchments at Grindrod Logistics Ltd 
# And Rugby: Rassie Erasmus announces a strong squad of 39 players for the Ireland and Portugal Tests 

# The ANC has announced plans to engage in continuous discussions with Contralesa, focusing on traditional leaders’ roles in the Government of National Unity ahead of a national dialogue. The dialogue aims to establish a national social compact aligned with the National Development Plan. Ten political parties, including the ANC and DA, have signed a Statement of Intent for the dialogue. Contralesa affirmed its commitment to supporting the ANC’s efforts in forming the GNU.

# The Federation of Trade Unions says it stands firmly behind its affiliate, Tirisano Transport and Services Union, in their current strike action at Grindrod Logistics Ltd. The protests are aimed at unjust retrenchments and dismissals affecting over 85 workers. Saftu’s spokesperson, Trevor Shaku says despite claims of financial hardship, Grindrod reported a significant 16-percent increase in profits during the 2023 financial year compared to the previous year:

# The University of Cape Town council has called for an immediate ceasefire, the passage of humanitarian aid, and the return of all captives. It condemns the destruction of Gaza’s education sector and the killing of teachers and university staff. The council urges the international community to include the restoration of education in humanitarian aid and rejects conflating criticism of Israel, with antisemitism. The university has expressed solidarity with Gaza academics and is committed to assisting in rebuilding the academic sector.

Meanwhile, the South African Zionist Federation Cape Council condemns the University of Cape Town’s recent decision to endorse a boycott of Israeli academic institutions linked to the Israeli Defence Force. They argue that this move undermines academic freedom, global collaboration, and the university’s financial stability. The council’s David Cohen warns the boycott fosters a hostile environment for Jewish students and staff, increases antisemitism, and jeopardises international funding and research opportunities.

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named a strong squad of 39 players and an additional 14 players on a standby list for the Tests against Ireland and Portugal. Nine players who were not available for selection for the Wales Test and three uncapped players have been included. The three uncapped players are Bulls hooker Johan Grobbelaar and front rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Sharks looseforward Phepsi Buthelezi. Cheslin Kolbe and Lukhanyo Am are back from injury. Handré Pollard, Jasper Wiese, Siya Kolisi, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Willie le Roux are also back.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-14-cents and the euro at 19-rand-44-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-1-cent and Bitcoin trades at 61-thousand-190-dollars-95-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-327-dollars-92-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 84-dollars-67-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….