News 06:00

BULLETIN 22 January 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says China agreed to exclude Iran from the BRICS naval exercise
# A manhunt is launched following the killing of five people in Atteridgeville
# And cricket: India’s women will visit South Africa in April for a T20 series

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa and China agreed to exclude Iran from a multinational naval exercise in False Bay, in the Western Cape. He says the matter was discussed with China, and it was decided that Iran should withdraw. The South African Navy apparently did not follow the president’s instruction. Ramaphosa told the media that a board of inquiry will determine the steps needed to address the situation:

# Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, met with Anglo American Global CEO Duncan Wanblad in Switzerland to discuss South Africa’s evolving energy landscape and transformation plans. The meeting highlighted Eskom’s recovery and the need to maintain stability as the system prepares for growth and investment. They emphasised that reliable, affordable power is crucial for mining, mineral value chains, jobs, regional economies, and export competitiveness, with energy security key to sustaining employment and driving long-term economic growth.

# Human Settlements minister Thembi Simelane says rapid urbanisation and population growth require new approaches to housing delivery that are faster, safer, and more cost-effective, environment-friendly and climate resilient. The department will now require provinces and municipalities to allocate at least two-percent of their 2026/2027 housing grants to innovative building technologies. Simelane says her department would align innovative solutions with the country’s regulatory framework, including building standards, safety requirements, and environmental regulations.

# Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for suspects who shot and killed five people outside a local tuckshop in Jeffsville, Atteridgeville, in Pretoria. According to reports, the men were standing near the tuckshop when the assailants approached and started shooting without warning. SAPS Tshwane District Commissioner, Samuel Thine, says the motive for the murders is not yet known, but extortion cannot be ruled out:

US president Donald Trump says America has secured a deal to receive 50-million barrels of oil from Venezuela. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said the agreement will boost the US energy supply and benefit both countries. He claims his administration’s economic policies are outperforming expectations under the former president Joe Biden administration, citing strong growth, low inflation, and record stock market gains:

# Cricket: India’s women will visit South Africa in April for a five-match T20 series against the Proteas, which will be used as preparation for the World Cup starting in England on 12 June. The matches will be played in Durban, Johannesburg and Benoni. This will only be the third T20 series between the two countries and the first since 2023. Cricket South Africa’s director of national teams and high performance, Enoch Nkwe, says the tour is exactly what the Proteas need before the World Cup.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-25-cents and the euro at 19-rand. One British pound costs 21-rand-83-cents and Bitcoin trades at 89-thousand-832-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-821-dollars-16-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-57-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….