News 06:00

BULLETIN 5 July 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC gives assurances about the government of national unity’s policy platform
# The EFF pledges to monitor labour policies in Parliament
# And rugby: The Currie Cup kicks off in Kimberley

# The ANC has moved to clarify that there is certainty about the policy platform of the national government of unity, which was agreed upon by all political parties who signed the statement of intent. The clarification comes on the back of a failed arrangement in Gauteng after talks between the DA and ANC collapsed at the eleventh hour. ANC acting national spokesperson, Zuko Godlimpi, says all existing government policies remain in effect without exception:

# National Treasury says it is ready to ensure the continuation of the balanced fiscal stance set out in the 2024 budget. In the new cabinet under the government of national unity, Enoch Godongwana has retained his position as minister of Finance, and he now has two deputies, David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen. Treasury says the leadership aims to continue stabilising public finances and reducing fiscal and economic risks while promoting economic growth and supporting vulnerable members of society.

# The EFF has pledged to monitor labour policies in Parliament, particularly those overseen by the Department of Labour and Home Affairs. This commitment comes as the party stands in solidarity with Ford South Africa workers, affiliated Metalworkers union Numsa, who are striking for fair profit-sharing bonuses. EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys criticises Ford’s exploitative practices. Mathys advocates for workers’ rights and fair employment practices:

# COSATU in Gauteng has welcomed the appointment of Members of the Executive Council in the seventh Provincial Administration. Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s Cabinet, excluding the DA, includes the IFP, Rise Mzansi, and the Patriotic Alliance. Spokesperson Zanele Sabela says COSATU has commended this decision and will monitor the performance of the MECs. She says the union reaffirms its commitment to defending constitutional and labor rights while ensuring improved service delivery:

# Iranians will return to the polls today to decide between reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and hard-line conservative Saeed Jalili in a presidential runoff. The initial vote saw no candidate securing a majority. Pezeshkian advocates for improved foreign relations to boost Iran’s economy, while Jalili holds strong anti-Western views. This election follows the death of former president Ebrahim Raisi. This is the country’s second presidential runoff in history.

# Rugby: The Currie Cup’s Premier division kicks off today. The opening match sees the Griquas take on the Pumas in Kimberley at 3 pm. At 5:15 the Sharks play at home in Durban against the Lions. Tomorrow the Cheetahs start their campaign against neighbours, the Griffons, at 1 pm in Bloemfontein. The biggest showdown of the weekend kicks off at 3 pm on Sunday when Western Province faces the Bulls in Cape Town. The final takes place on 21 September.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-24-cents and the euro at 19-rand-73-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-29-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-430-dollars-94-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-358-dollars-82-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 87-dollars-47-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….