News 07:00

BULLETIN 18 July 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says racial inequality and poverty remain key concerns
# Motorsport: Brad Binder returns to the circuit of his first MotoGP victory
# And today is Nelson Mandela International Day

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says racial inequality and poverty remain among South Africa’s biggest challenges. Speaking during the Presidency’s budget vote response, Ramaphosa highlighted the lasting impact of apartheid-era policies that favoured white citizens and created deep economic disparities. He emphasised that the government of national unity must focus on inclusive growth, job creation, and reducing inequality to build a fairer and more prosperous society for all South Africans:

# Parliament’s portfolio committee on Electricity and Energy has expressed concern about potential job losses as a result of the Just Energy Transition plan. The plan will see the power utility shut down 23 gigawatts of electricity generated from five coal power stations by 2040. To counter this, the state-owned entity will ramp up renewable, gas, hydro, and nuclear power to make up the lost capacity. Eskom told the committee that it wants to grow the economy on all fronts, while continuously using all the available resources to meet emission targets.

# The DA has condemned the appointment of a 29-year-old brigadier who is currently out on bail for corruption as Head of Visible Policing in Pretoria’s Moot District. The DA’s Ian Cameron says the officer lacks police training, has never worn a police uniform, and faces serious charges. Despite the police calling it a temporary transfer, Cameron demands her immediate suspension and a full explanation from the National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola. She is one of the accused in the corruption trial of top officials at Crime Intelligence.

# Public Works minister, Dean Macpherson, and UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, have announced a landmark partnership to boost South Africa’s infrastructure delivery. Unveiled at the G20 Finance Ministerial Meeting in Durban, the UK will support three projects, including Project Capstone, Project Speed, and the Adopt-a-Municipality Programme. These initiatives aim to enhance project delivery, asset management, and municipal infrastructure. Macpherson says the collaboration will transform derelict buildings, drive economic growth, and help tackle unemployment by turning South Africa into a thriving construction hub.

# Motorsport: South Africa’s Brad Binder says he is looking forward to racing in the Grand Prix of Czechia this weekend, which returns to Brno after a five-year absence. The KTM rider won the race in Brno in 2020, a victory which came in just his third MotoGP start. The 29-year-old has had a difficult season so far, with his best result being a sixth-place finish. Binder says he hopes the freshly resurfaced track and the nature of its layout can play to his strengths:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-79-cents and the euro at 20-rand-69-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-90-cents and Bitcoin trades at 120-thousand-425-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-338-dollars-29-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-71-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Today is Nelson Mandela International Day, a day to honour Mandela’s legacy through acts of service and compassion. This year’s theme is, It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity. This day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities. Government says South Africans have their own individual power to change the world for the better.

Stay tuned for more news………….