News 06:00

BULLETIN 4 June 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africa is among 60 countries facing new US import tariffs
# Two Iranian diplomats are ordered to leave Kuwait
# And rugby: Canal+ will broadcast the men’s and women’s World Cup in Sub-Saharan Africa
[Canal-Ploes]

# The US has proposed a broad new set of import tariffs on 60 countries, including South Africa, for failing to address the importing of goods made with forced labour. Under the proposal, countries including South Africa, China, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Brazil would face additional tariffs up to 12.5-percent. Mexico, Canada, and the European Union would face additional ten-percent tariffs. US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer says they are changing the terms of trade between America and the rest of the world:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed government’s commitment to fighting corruption and fully dismantling the legacy of state capture. Responding to the Presidency budget vote debate in Parliament, Ramaphosa said efforts are underway to recover stolen public funds and strengthen institutions weakened during the state capture era. He highlighted that more than 17-billion-rand has already been recovered through law enforcement actions linked to the State Capture Commission’s work:

# Trade union Solidarity says energy regulator Nersa’s approval of a special electricity tariff for Glencore-Merafe and Samancor ferrochrome smelters will improve short-term stability and help protect thousands of jobs. The union says the reduced power tariff will provide much-needed relief to an industry struggling with high electricity costs and global competition. However, Solidarity’s Cornelius van Leeuwen warns that the agreement is only a temporary solution and South Africa still needs long-term energy reforms.

# Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry has ordered two Iranian diplomats to leave the country within 24 hours and declared them “persona non grata”. This comes after Iran targeted US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. An Indian national was killed and more than 60 injured in the Iranian drone strikes on Kuwait’s international airport. Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps stated that the attack was in retaliation for US strikes on an Iranian oil tanker and Qeshm Island. The escalation in attacks threatens the US-Iran ceasefire.

# Western Cape government has strongly condemned recent xenophobic violence and intimidation against foreign nationals. It believes the attacks are unlawful, undermine public safety and threaten economic stability. Mediators have been deployed to ease tensions and prevent further unrest. Residents are urged to reject violence and address immigration concerns through lawful channels. Premier Alan Winde says authorities will work closely with police to ensure swift action is taken against those responsible:

# Rugby: French broadcaster Canal+ reached an agreement with World Rugby to broadcast the next men’s and women’s World Cups and other tournaments on SuperSport across Sub-Saharan Africa. It recently acquired the Multichoice Group. South Africa and Zimbabwe will represent the continent at the men’s tournament in Australia next year, when it will be expanded to 24 teams. It will introduce a new format with a round of 16. The agreement also includes the women’s World Cup in Australia in 2029.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-35-cents and the euro at 18-rand-97-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-93-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-933-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-436-dollars-80-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 96-dollars-82-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….