News 06:00

BULLETIN 13 August 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA says economic reforms are urgently needed to create jobs
# Israel bombards Gaza City
# And rugby: Eighteen World Cup-winners will face the Wallabies on Saturday

# The DA says the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that there is an urgency to implement the economic reforms necessary for growth and jobs. South Africa’s official unemployment rate rose 0.3 of a percentage point in the second quarter of this year to 33.2-percent. According to Statistics SA, 140-thousand more people are unemployed compared to the first quarter of this year. The DA’s Michael Bagraim says it is clear that the ANC’s economic policies are not working:

# The Stalwart’s Foundations Forum calls for inclusive, honest national dialogues to address South Africa’s ongoing challenges like unemployment, poverty, and inequality. The forum’s Thulasizwe Makhanya urges genuine engagement across generations, political backgrounds, and communities to find lasting solutions. It includes the foundations of, among others, Moses Kotane and Lilian Ngoyi. Meanwhile, the Freedom Front Plus has refused to participate, criticising the ANC for holding on to failed economic policies. The MK Party will also not take part, condemning the national dialogue as a costly political stunt that distracts from urgent service delivery failures.

# Public broadcaster, the SABC, has announced plans to cut 180 jobs in its commercial sales division as part of a major restructuring to address financial pressures. The broadcaster has informed the broadcasting union, BEMAWU, of the proposed changes, aimed at improving revenue and long-term sustainability. Consultations with the union will commence on Friday, with a final decision on the retrenchments expected by October, with any job cuts taking effect at the end of November.

# Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has urged communities to remain patient with the municipality following the torching of the Germiston Home Affairs building. Speaking outside the site, Xhakaza said the burning of government property is intolerable and condemned the acts of vandalism and arson. He added that police are actively pursuing those involved, including the instigators, to ensure accountability for the damage caused during the unrest:

# Gaza City has come under intense air attack as Israeli forces prepare to occupy the city. Israel’s war cabinet voted on Monday to occupy Gaza City, a move condemned at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Meanwhile, the UK, the European Union, Australia, Canada, and Japan, in a statement, said a famine is unfolding and demanded immediate, permanent, and concrete steps to facilitate the entry of aid to Gaza. Israel has continuously denied that there is starvation in Gaza.

# Rugby: A hugely experienced Springbok team will aim for their fifth successive victory over the Wallabies in Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Head coach Rassie Erasmus included 18 World Cup winners in his squad, while only three players – Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Edwill van der Merwe and Asenathi Ntlabakanye – have five Test caps or less. Erasmus opted for a five-three split on the bench. He believes they will be able to play the type of rugby they want to play against the Australians.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-55-cents and the euro at 20-rand-51-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-70-cents and Bitcoin trades at 119-thousand-960-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-350-dollars-65-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-17-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….