News 08:00

BULLETIN 13 September 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Steenhuisen says the agricultural sector remains resilient
# Ford recalls over five thousand Rangers for brake issues
# And Prince Harry makes a surprise visit to Kyiv

# The minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, says despite a decline in the value of goods exports in the first and second quarters of this year, South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to show resilience. The department’s spokesperson, Joylene van Wyk, says according to the South African Reserve Bank’s balance of payments report, released this week, the country’s trade surplus narrowed from 211-billion-rand to 177.1-billion-rand between the first and second quarters:

# ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula urged the party’s youth league to remain militant and politically conscious and committed to shaping South Africa’s future. Speaking at the league’s second national general council, in Kimberley, Northern Cape, Mbalula warned against factionalism and unproductive disputes. Mbalula encouraged the youth league to defend the revolution, uphold discipline, and lead efforts in service delivery while preparing for the upcoming local government elections:

# Tourism minister Patricia de Lille says the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting at the Kruger National Park aims to build on the recent Tourism Investment Summit. De Lille noted tourism contributes over eight-percent to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product and more than ten-percent globally. De Lille told SABC News, that rising visitor numbers boost job creation. She stressed urgency in improving air access, with new infrastructure worth over one-billion-rand already showcased:

# Car manufacturer Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has recalled over five-thousand Ford Ranger vehicles due to brake issues. The 2025 and 2026 models may experience a loss of pedal pressure from a brake boost software fault, increasing the risk of accidents. The recall also affects vehicles in Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini. The company urges customers to visit dealerships for free repairs. This follows several other recalls this year, including Mustangs and Transit Custom models.

# Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. The trip comes after Harry made a solo journey to Britain earlier in the week, during which he reunited with his father, King Charles, for their first face-to-face meeting in 19 months. The prince arrived in Kyiv with a team from his Invictus Games Foundation and is expected to detail new initiatives to support the rehabilitation of wounded Ukrainians. Reuters earlier reported his foundation would donate almost 9-million-rand to support children from Gaza and Ukraine.

# And cricket: Phil Salt’s record score of 141 not out laid the platform for England’s record score of 304 for two, which proved more than sufficient for a 146-run victory against South Africa in the second T20 International at Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday night. Salt’s century came from just 39 balls with a host of records broken as the home side smashed South Africa’s attack to ribbons after being asked to bat first. The third and deciding encounter will take place at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Sunday.

Stay tuned for more news………….