News 07:00

BULLETIN 4 July 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa praises Mabuza for his commitment to liberation
# South Africa’s electricity prices soared by a thousand-percent in the past two decades
# And rugby: The Junior Boks are set for a showdown against England in the U20 Championship

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says former deputy president David Mabuza deserves South Africa’s appreciation for his deep commitment to the liberation struggle and the nation’s development as an inclusive, prosperous, democratic state. Mabuza was 65 and passed away on Thursday at a hospital in Mpumalanga following a short illness. The president’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya says on behalf of the government and the nation, Ramaphosa offers his profound condolences to the late deputy president’s wife, Mama Mabuza, and their children:

Meanwhile, Rise Mzansi has joined South Africans in mourning the death of Mabuza. He served as deputy president from 2018 to 2023. He was also a former ANC National Executive Committee member and premier of Mpumalanga between 2009 and 2018. Party leader Songezo Zibi conveyed heartfelt condolences, saying ‘The Cat’ is no more:

# Electricity prices in South Africa have surged by over one-thousand-percent since 2000 amid Eskom’s declining performance and mounting debt. In an outlined economic survey on electricity pricing challenges, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development says historic below-cost pricing weakened Eskom, leading to repeated bailouts. In an article by the Daily Investor, the OECD says long-term solutions include boosting competition, investing in new technologies, and reforming tariff models to balance utility stability with consumer protection.

# The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Community Safety Committee will host a stakeholder engagement session in Fochville, West Rand, to assess police compliance with the Domestic Violence Act. The session forms part of an oversight study examining intervention programmes, systemic challenges, and victim support. The Committee will also visit the Fochville Police Station to evaluate protection order handling, trained personnel, and reporting systems. The initiative aims to strengthen protection for domestic violence victims in Gauteng.

# Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined plans for deeper ties between his country and Africa, as New Delhi increasingly vies for a stronger economic presence on the continent along with China and Russia. In a speech to Ghana’s parliament, Modi highlighted a major rail project that opened in the West African nation last year, financed by the India Export-Import Bank. Modi’s visit is the first to Ghana by an Indian leader in three decades. India’s rival China remains the most important backer of infrastructure across the continent.

# Rugby: The Junior Springboks are set for a blockbuster showdown with defending champions England in a vital Pool A clash at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Rovigo, Italy, this evening. Fresh off a commanding 73-17 win over Australia, the Junior Boks aim to build momentum. Coach Kevin Foote praised England’s pedigree and expects a thrilling battle. He expressed confidence in his squad, stating that they are well prepared to execute the tough battle ahead:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-50-cents and the euro at 20-rand-58-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-89-cents and Bitcoin trades at 109-thousand-587-dollar. Gold sells at three-thousand-331-dollars-26-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-23-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….