News 06:00

BULLETIN 18 February 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Business Leadership SA urges Godongwana to prioritise fiscal discipline and debt reduction
# Save South Africa asks for a pro-poor budget
# And motorsport: Ruche Moodley joins the Binder brothers in the 2025 World Championship

# Business Leadership South Africa calls on Finance minister Enoch Godongwana to prioritise reducing debt and spending wisely. In her weekly newsletter, the organisation’s CEO Busisiwe Mavuso said this year’s budget will test the government of national unity’s ability to set spending priorities that benefit the country over party politics. She urged the government to maintain strong international trade relations and stimulate private-sector investment while avoiding tax hikes that could harm the economy. Mavuso is optimistic the budget will support economic growth and investment.

# Meanwhile, the Save South Africa Civic Movement has urged Godongwana to ensure the budget is pro-poor, focusing on issues like unemployment, poverty, and job creation. The movement argues budget cuts harm essential services and contribute to mental health struggles, particularly among underpaid workers in sectors like policing and teaching. The movement’s Tebogo Mashilompane, also calls for an end to corrupt tender systems, increased funding for health and education, and the nationalisation of mines:

# The EFF in Gauteng is calling for the owner of the Zanzou Bar and Lounge in Pretoria, Stephane Cohen, to be arrested and the nightclub shut down. This comes after videos circulated on social media showing patrons being assaulted and humiliated at the club. Zanzou management denies claims linking videos to unpaid bills, attributing them to excessive force over phone theft by dismissed security personnel. The EFF says it will be reporting this incident to the Human Rights Commission.

# The South African Human Rights Commission has condemned the fatal shooting of Imam Muhsin Hendricks in Gqeberha on Saturday. Hendricks, known as the world’s first openly gay imam, was a strong advocate for LGBTQI+ inclusion. The SAHRC’s Wisani Baloyi calls for a thorough investigation and urges authorities to ensure justice:

# Pope Francis is being treated for a complex clinical situation and will remain in hospital for as long as necessary. The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday to undergo treatment and tests for bronchitis. The Vatican said the pontiff has a polymicrobial infection of his respiratory tract. The Argentine pontiff has spent nearly 12 years as leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He has suffered several health issues throughout his life, including having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.

# Motorsport: Three South African riders are set to represent the country in the 2025 World Championship beginning in Thailand on 2 March and concluding in Valencia, Spain, on 16 November. Gqeberha-born teenager Ruche Moodley will make his debut in Moto3. The 18-year-old rider is the son of former SA Superbike champion Arushen Moodley. He now joins Brad Binder who is in MotoGP and his brother Darryn in Moto2, completing South Africa’s representation in all three tiers in the 22-race season.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-41-cents and the euro at 19-rand-30-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-24-cents and Bitcoin trades at 95-thousand-816-dollar-31-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-897-dollars-34-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-16-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….