BULLETIN 8 July 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA leader warns the US tariffs could end AGOA and threatens thousands of jobs
# BOSA calls for the appointment of a jobs-focused SA ambassador to Washington following the tariff bombshell
# And rugby: The Bulls sign former Bok centre Jan Serfontein

# DA leader John Steenhuisen says the new 30-percent US tariff on South African exports will be a devastating blow to the economy. He warned it could also mark the end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act trade agreement. Steenhuisen says key industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and mining will be hardest hit. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp urges president Cyril Ramaphosa to act swiftly before the tariffs take effect on 1 August:

BOSA is meanwhile calling on Ramaphosa to swiftly appoint a credible, empowered and respected ambassador to Washington. Spokesperson Roger Solomons says punitive tariffs of this scale would cripple key export sectors:

# The second day of the 43rd Southern African Transport Conference is underway in Pretoria, with key focus on aviation, aiming to reach 42-million airline passengers by 2029. The event brings together policymakers and academics to boost sustainable transport, with discussions on how to integrate drones into traditional airspace. Industry experts say despite drone laws introduced in South Africa over a decade ago, the country still lags behind. Meanwhile six strategic targets have been set to align policy, research, and mobility solutions in Southern Africa.

# Rugby: The Bulls have officially confirmed the signing of former Springbok centre Jan Serfontein from Montpellier. He joins Bok flyhalf Handré Pollard, Stormers scrumhalf Paul de Wet, one-cap Bok forward Nico Janse van Rensburg and Bok lock Marvin Orie as new signings. Kurt-Lee Arendse and Henry Immelman return to the club after short-term spells in Japan and at the Sharks, respectively. The Bulls need a new coach after Jake White left the franchise with immediate effect on Friday.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-75-cents and the euro at 20-rand-83-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-11-cents and Bitcoin trades at 108-thousand-963-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-326-dollars-52-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 69-dollars-1-cent a barrel.

# And finally: Transnet National Ports Authority has launched a new 120-million-rand locally built multi-purpose vessel at the port of Cape Town, named Yarona. The 19-metre craft was built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town and supports maintenance, pollution control, and dredging operations. The authority says the vessel enhances its Marine Fleet Renewal Programme. The project created 18 local jobs and will add three new crew members, boosting operational efficiency and environmental management at sea.

Stay tuned for more news………….