News 18:00

BULLETIN 13 August 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AfriForum welcomes a US report confirming the persecution of minorities in South Africa
# Two cases of foot-and-mouth disease are confirmed in the Free State
# And Stormers Rugby unveils an exciting new look to unite fans

# AfriForum says South Africa’s diplomatic ties with the US could worsen if the government fails to act on human rights concerns. The organisation welcomes a US State Department report highlighting persecution of racial minorities, threats to property rights, attacks on Afrikaner farmers, and failures to investigate abuses. AfriForum’s Ernst van Zyl urged president Cyril Ramaphosa to condemn the ‘Kill the Boer’ chant, reform the Expropriation Act, and address discriminatory laws:

# Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau says government is advancing support for the automotive sector amid US tariff challenges. Speaking at the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers Show in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, Tau confirmed amendments to the Automotive Production Development Programme Phase 2 for electric vehicles are complete. He also confirmed tax incentives, critical minerals plans, and skills development initiatives are underway, including university certification programmes:

The show is spotlighting excellence in automotive component manufacturing. The two-day event unites manufacturers, stakeholders, and service providers to boost collaboration and networking. Key focuses include localisation, trade and investment, skills and technology partnerships, and industry transformation. By showcasing emerging suppliers and black industrialists, the show advances the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035, ensuring impactful engagement and tangible outcomes for the sector.

# The Free State Agriculture and Rural Development Department has confirmed two cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Viljoenskroon. One case was on a commercial farm and the other in a communal grazing area near the North West border. The department says authorities have imposed movement restrictions within a ten-kilometre radius and placed affected areas under quarantine. They are prioritising vaccination efforts to contain the outbreak and protect livestock across the region.

On to sports news:

# Stormers Rugby has kicked off a thrilling new era by a unveiling a striking new bold identity under the mantra ‘In It Together’. The updated logo, featuring interlocking jersey hoops and a lightning bolt, honours the team’s heritage while signaling movement into the future. CEO Johan le Roux says the rebrand strengthens connections with players, supporters, and sponsors. Meanwhile, director of Rugby, John Dobson highlights its role in making Cape Town smile, connecting communities and elevating the Stormers as a premier sports brand.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-50-cents and the euro at 20-rand-50-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-76-cents and Bitcoin trades at 121-thousand-475-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-364-dollars-55-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-61-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….