News 09:00

BULLETIN 15 July 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Tau will discuss a review of bilateral ties with the US
# Over 158-thousand people are affected by the flooding in Cape Town
# And the International Court of Justice will hand down its view on Israel’s occupation this week

# Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau says they will engage with US lawmakers on the intention to review bilateral ties with South Africa. This comes amid strained relations over South Africa’s stance on Israel and ties with Russia, China, and Iran. The minister will lead a high-level delegation to Washington next week for the African Growth and Opportunity Act Summit. Tau says he will use the summit to explain the government’s position on a wide range of issues. South Africa is the largest US trade partner in Africa.

# The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre says since the third of this month, approximately 158-thousand-and-97 people have been affected by flooding and 47-thousand-663 structures damaged. The city has been experiencing destructive weather conditions in the past two weeks. The centre’s spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, says officials are continuing with assessments in communities as calls are being logged:

# KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has assured farmers affected by the wildfires that they will get the necessary assistance. At least ten people died and areas including King Cetshwayo, Nkandla, Umlalazi, and Zululand Districts have been severely affected. The MEC’s spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, says farmers are estimated to have lost over one-thousand-600 animals:

# The International Court of Justice will on Friday elaborate on its view on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967. More than 50 countries have made submissions on the matter. Observers say although the court’s opinion is non-binding, it comes amid mounting international legal pressure on Israel over the war in Gaza sparked by the 7 October Hamas attacks. The case is separate from one brought by South Africa against Israel for alleged genocide during its offensive in Gaza.

# Soccer: Spain defeated England two-one to win the European Championship for an unprecedented fourth time. Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute goal won it for La Roja after substitute Cole Palmer cancelled out player of the match Nico Williams’ opener. Spain won all seven games in the tournament without needing penalties, a record at the Euros. England is the first team to lose consecutive European finals. Manager Gareth Southgate says he is devasted but extremely proud of his players:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-97-cents and the euro at 19-rand-59-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-33-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-614-dollars-94-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-411-dollars-78-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-13-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….