News 18:00

BULLETIN 7 August 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africa unveils a bold trade and investment plan with China until 2029
# Russia and India are committed to a strategic partnership after Donald Trump’s tariff hike
# And rugby: Five changes to Western Province’s Currie Cup side to take on Griquas

# The cabinet has welcomed the development of a trade and investment package until 2029 to boost economic ties with China. Deputy president Paul Mashatile presented the package during last month’s visit to the Asian power, positioning South Africa as a gateway to sub-Saharan Africa. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the plan targets trade and investments in key industries like steel, pharmaceuticals and batteries, while enhancing skills development:

Meanwhile, Russia and India stressed their commitment to a strategic partnership in bilateral security talks in Moscow. This follows US president Donald Trump’s announcement of higher tariffs on Indian imports because of its purchases of Russian oil. Indian national security adviser, Ajit Doval, says New Delhi was looking forward to a visit from president Vladimir Putin by year-end. Trump’s imposition of an additional 25-percent tariff on goods from India, coming into force on the 28th, signals the most serious downturn in US-Indian relations since his return to office in January.

# AfriForum says ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula is fuelling diplomatic tensions with the US and promoting racism. The organisation has condemned Mbalula for describing Afrikaner refugees in the US as car guards and murderers during a media briefing. The organisation accuses Mbalula of worsening US–SA relations by labelling the US government as imperialists. AfriForum’s Ernst van Zyl says the comments are divisive and damage social cohesion:

# Deputy minister for Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, has condemned offensive remarks made on the Open Chats Podcast, saying they undermine unity and inclusivity. In the episode, the hosts engage in stereotyping of coloured people, describing them as crazy and participating in incest. Letsike stressed the need for respectful dialogue, especially in a diverse nation like South Africa. While the podcast has apologised, Letsike called for further accountability and emphasised that hate speech cannot be excused as free speech.

# Rugby: Western Province made five changes to the side for tomorrow afternoon’s Currie Cup encounter against Griquas in Kimberley. Tristan Leyds starts at fullback in a rotation with Shilton van Wyk. Justin Geduld comes in at outside centre and Luke Burger is on the bench. Jurie Matthee makes his first appearance this season at flyhalf, replacing the injured Kyle Smith. In the loose trio De Wet Marais makes his return from injury at flank and in the front row, Mhleli Khuzwayo makes his first start of the season.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-75-cents and the euro at 20-rand-63-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-81-cents and Bitcoin trades at 116-thousand-412-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-381-dollars-1-cent a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-51-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….