News 09:00

BULLETIN 19 February 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The deputy minister of Electricity says South Africa’s nuclear sector is a strategic asset
# Saftu is concerned about the crisis in the sugar industry
# And, Israel raises its alert level amid a potential US-Israel attack on Iran

# Deputy minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, says South Africa’s nuclear sector remains a strategic national asset, supporting energy security, advanced science, healthcare, skills development, and industrial capability. The country has two nuclear reactors that generate five percent of its electricity. Graham-Maré says South Africa continues to demonstrate global leadership in nuclear technology, including world-leading radioisotope production that supports lifesaving medical treatment worldwide:

# The South African Federation of Trade Unions has expressed concern at the deepening crisis engulfing the country’s sugar industry and the devastating implications it holds for workers and the broader productive economy. This as Tongaat Hulett’s business rescue practitioners have applied to the court to place the company under provisional liquidation. Saftu’s Asive Dyani says the potential halt of sugar mill operations, linked to the provisional liquidation of Tongaat Hulett, threatens to paralyse entire rural economies:

# Informal traders in the City of Johannesburg will today be marching against what they describe as harassment and ill-treatment of legal traders operating within the Inner City Improvement District by metro police. Last year, the metro initiated a crackdown on informal trading, particularly in high-density areas like De Villiers Street. The traders are demanding the re-marking of trading stands and the issuing of permits. The metro’s spokesperson, Virgil James, says they will continue to enforce bylaws decisively:

# Israel has raised its alert level and is stepping up military preparations amid growing indications of a potential joint US-Israel attack on Iran in the coming days. According to reports, US president Donald Trump is considering launching a broad military strike on Iran after Tehran failed to meet American demands in negotiations. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly held several special security consultations this week to assess readiness and coordination. Last year, a US-Israel joined attack destroyed Iran’s underground nuclear facilities.

# Cricket: It’s back to the drawing board for Australia after their early elimination from the T20 World Cup. The champion of 2021 lost two of its first three group matches and couldn’t qualify for the Super Eights. Australia’s problems are reportedly ascribed to the lack of succession for their ageing superstars who are reaching the end of their careers. Their World Cup woes could also have an influence on their world rankings, and could mean Australia doesn’t qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-5-cents and the euro at 18-rand-92-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-64-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-928-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-968-dollars-60-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 70-dollars-5-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….