News 06:00

BULLETIN 26 August 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says South Africa’s foreign policy is anchored in multilateralism and a respect for sovereignty
# The Foreign Press Association wants an immediate explanation from Israel
# And rugby: The Bok Women move their focus to Italy after thrashing Brazil in the World Cup

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says pressure exerted by outside forces does not determine South Africa’s foreign policy outlook, but by principle. In his weekly newsletter, the president says that despite criticism, the country’s commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law informed the decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice. Ramaphosa says the country’s diplomacy will continue to be guided by respect for sovereignty, and that negotiation and dialogue are key in the mediation and resolution of conflict. 

# Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago says Central Banks have made progress in bringing down global inflation. Speaking to SABC News following his return from the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium in the US, Kganyago warned that risks remain, including trade tariffs that could push prices higher. He noted concerns over the high cost of living worldwide, adding that the challenge is locking in disinflationary gains while monitoring new economic pressures:

# AfriForum accuses the City of Tshwane of trying to make extra money at the expense of residents. This comes after the High Court in Pretoria rejected the city’s appeal against the cleansing levy, calling it mischievous and without merit. The ruling marks a second legal setback for the municipality, which must again pay the organisation’s legal costs. AfriForum’s Arno Roodt says the decision protects taxpayers from unlawful charges:

# The Foreign Press Association has called for an immediate explanation from the Israeli military and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, following the death of a group of journalists. At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed in an Israeli strike on the Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip. This comes two weeks after six journalists were killed in an Israeli targeted attack near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Foreign Press Association says Israel must immediately halt its abhorrent practice of targeting journalists.

# Rugby: Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin says they must now move their focus to Italy after thrashing Brazil 66-6 in their first World Cup match on Sunday. Number eight Aseza Hele scored three of South Africa’s ten tries. De Bruin says that although the Brazilians are the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, he is proud that his team delivered an 80-minute performance, but they must work on their ball handling. The Boks play Italy on Sunday and their final group match against France a week later.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-62-cents and the euro at 20-rand-47-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-70-cents and Bitcoin trades at 110-thousand-55-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-353-dollars-35-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-8-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Shoprite has reassured South Africans that its new smart Xpress Trolley pilot will not threaten jobs. The trial, running at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell and Checkers Constantia in the Western Cape, introduces 20 high-tech trolleys allowing customers to scan items, track totals, and pay directly from the cart. Shoprite says the innovation is designed to improve shopping, not replace workers. Meanwhile, new roles such as concierge assistants and tech support are being created as the technology evolves.

Stay tuned for more news………….