News 07:00

BULLETIN 24 August 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa reaffirms government’s commitment to economic growth and service delivery
# US interest rate cuts loom
# And, rugby: Griquas make the Bulls work in their Currie Cup clash

# President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic growth and improved service delivery. Speaking at a presidential imbizo in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, he said strong municipalities are essential for driving development and creating jobs, noting Ekurhuleni’s role as a key economic hub. Ramaphosa assured that efforts to address challenges in water, electricity, housing, and safety are top priorities:

Ramaphosa also defended the presidential izimbizo, stating that public engagements are vital for effective governance. He emphasised these sessions are not a waste of time or money, but rather crucial for listening to citizens’ concerns and shaping government priorities. In his closing remarks in Ekurhuleni, Ramaphosa said public input helps address challenges like unemployment, service delivery, and infrastructure development: 

# The chairperson of the US Federal Reserve Jerome Powell says the time has come for a cut in its key policy rate, with pundits saying borrowing costs could be lowered as early as next month. Powell addressed the Kansas City’s Fed’s annual conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, yesterday, and made his intention clear to prevent further cooling in the labour market. He says the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend on incoming data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks.

# Rugby: The unbeaten Bulls did not have it all their own way in yesterday evening’s Currie Cup clash with Griquas at Loftus Versfeld. The visitors led 14-0 early in the game but the Pretoria team eventually ran in seven tries to overhaul Griquas with a 47-24 bonus-point victory. This afternoon Western Province welcome the Sharks to Cape Town at three. The Cheetahs and the Lions fight it out in Bloemfontein at five. And tomorrow, the Griffons host the Pumas in Welkom.  

# And, the Gauteng provincial government has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical governance and procurement reforms on yesterday’s third anniversary of Babita Deokaran’s assassination. New measures include mandatory Provincial Treasury reviews for tenders between 500-thousand- and one-million-rand, and a pre-compliance checklist for Request For Quotes. Spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga says these steps aim to enhance compliance, transparency and anti-corruption efforts, honouring Deokaran’s legacy.

Stay tuned for more news………….