News 07:00

BULLETIN 28 August 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The government has identified key priorities essential for economic growth and job creation
# AfriForum says Malema and the EFF are extremists who incite violence against minorities
# And, Donald Trump wants George Soros and his son prosecuted for violent protest

# Deputy minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, says the government has identified several key priorities that it believes are essential for promoting economic growth, investment, and job creation. These include investment in infrastructure, transportation, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure. He addressed the 20th edition of the Confederation of Indian Industry Africa India Conclave in India yesterday. Morolong says the government recognises the importance of trade facilitation in promoting economic growth and investment. He adds that this will require streamlining customs procedures, reducing bureaucracy, and improving logistics.

# ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji has criticised opposition parties within the government of national unity, accusing them of lacking seriousness and responsibility. Malatji says the DA undermines government protocols with arrogance, while ministers Gayton McKenzie and Bantu Holomisa embarrassed themselves with reckless statements. He argues that these incidents expose that many opposition parties are unprepared to lead South Africa:

# AfriForum has welcomed the Equality Court’s judgment against EFF leader Julius Malema. The court found Malema guilty of hate speech and inciting violence for the 2022 statements he made in his speech at the EFF’s 3rd provincial People’s Assembly in the Western Cape. AfriForum’s Ernst van Zyl says the judgment confirms and underscores what most already know, that Malema and the EFF are extremists who incite violence against minorities and spread a message of racial hatred:

# US President Donald Trump called for billionaire George Soros and his son to face criminal charges over claims that the family, a favorite target of the right, is behind “violent protests” around the country. Trump did not specify what had prompted his morning outburst, but it comes as his administration pursues multiple criminal investigations against his perceived enemies. Long-standing conspiracy theories involving the Soros family swirled again in June, as street protests broke out in Los Angeles against a ramp-up of immigration raids.

# Golf: Keegan Bradley has opted not to pick himself as a playing captain for the US Ryder Cup team. He has named Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns as his six captain’s picks for next month’s Ryder Cup against Europe in New York. The six automatic qualifier spots were claimed by Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau earlier this month. Bradley says deciding not to play was tough:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-67-cents and the euro at 20-rand-58-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-87-cents and Bitcoin trades at 111-thousand-476-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-387-dollars-88-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-1-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Parliament’s portfolio committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has expressed sadness at the passing of EWN’s Associate Editor of Politics, Tshidi Madia. She died in the hospital on Wednesday after a short illness. Committee chairperson, Khusela Sangoni Diko, says Madia was one of the most respected voices in South African journalism and a consummate professional. She adds that Madia was known for her ability to engage with political figures across the political spectrum, asking tough questions while maintaining a professional and respectful demeanour.

Stay tuned for more news………….