News 06:00

BULLETIN 9 April 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA leader says the government of national unity must prioritise economic recovery
# Minister Simelane will reveal the findings on the George building collapse
# And Trump’s trade representative defends his global tariffs

# DA leader John Steenhuisen says South Africa needs an era of co-governance, built on the implementation of bold, pro-growth reforms that create jobs and restore fiscal stability. He has expressed the party’s desire to remain in the government of national unity following disagreements with the ANC over the fiscal policy framework. Steenhuisen told the SABC that the DA wants shared governance that prioritises delivery and economic recovery over political convenience:

# The eight Business 20 South Africa task forces are set to finalise their policy recommendations by September ahead of the G20 Summit in November. Co-led by global business leaders, the task forces focus on inclusive growth and global cooperation. The task forces will submit evidence-based proposals on trade, energy, and digital inclusion, driving African perspectives at the summit. Notably, half of the chairs are women, marking a milestone in B20’s history.

Meanwhile, Employment and Labour minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, urges G20 global leaders to protect vulnerable workers. Speaking at the second G20 Employment Working Group in Umhlanga, in KwaZulu-Natal, Meth called for policies that promote decent work and safeguard vulnerable workers worldwide. She emphasised the need to address growing inequalities, the decline in labour income share, and the gender gap in the workforce.

# Human Settlements minister, Thembi Simelane, is set to reveal the findings of the National Home Builders Regulatory Council’s investigation into the 2024 George building collapse. The tragedy claimed 34 lives and left many injured. Simelane had earlier promised to update the nation once the report was finalised. The report will shed light on the cause of the collapse of the five-story building and accountability measures.

# US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, says America faces unfair, unbalanced, non-reciprocal trade, which has driven president Donald Trump to call a national tariff emergency. Trump claims that a ten-percent tariff on all nations and much higher rates of up to 50-percent on individual countries will boost the US economy and protect jobs. Testifying to the Senate’s Finance Committee on Tuesday, Greer said America’s large trade deficit has been over 30 years in the making, and it will not be resolved overnight:

# Motorsport: Defending MotoGP champion Jorge Martin hopes to return to action during this coming weekend’s Grand Prix in Qatar – if he passes a medical check. The Spaniard missed the year’s first three races after suffering multiple fractures during pre-season practice crashes. He is set to make his debut for Aprilia after winning the title for Ducati last year. Martin says he isn’t sure he will be fit enough to finish the race but wants to take it one step at a time.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand-76-cents and the euro at 21-rand-69-cents. One British pound costs 25-rand-27-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-243-dollar-50-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-971-dollars-99-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 60-dollars-83-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….