News 08:00

BULLETIN 9 February 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AfriForum rejects Trump’s refugee plan and commits to staying in South Africa
# Zelensky touts Ukraine’s rare earth stores to Trump
# And rugby: The Bulls beat the Stormers by one point after a conversion drama

# AfriForum appreciates US president Donald Trump’s recognition of injustices against Afrikaners but insists their future remains in South Africa. Addressing the media, CEO Kallie Kriel emphasised the importance of preserving Afrikaner cultural identity locally and criticised South Africa’s government policies. The organisation proposes solutions, including protecting property rights, tackling corruption, and fostering cultural cooperation. Kriel says they will engage both governments to address these tensions constructively:

The chairperson of Solidarity, Flip Buys, also reacted by saying they recognise Trump’s refugee plan as a response to South Africa’s policies. Buys criticised president Cyril Ramaphosa’s government, calling for practical proposals to address injustices against Afrikaners and promote cooperation with other communities. Buys emphasised that Afrikaners are indigenous and will remain in South Africa. He says they will meet both governments soon:

Meanwhile, the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa has raised concerns over the potential negative effects of Trump comments on South Africa, particularly on the sector. The federation highlighted the risk to exports, including specialised engineering products, and reliance on US software systems. Seifsa urged business leaders to reassure investors and called on the government to reinforce policy certainty and protect foreign investment in the country’s economy.

# Volodymyr Zelensky has offered the US a partnership over Ukraine’s stores of rare earth metals and minerals. President Donald Trump earlier said he wanted Ukraine to supply the US with critical resources in exchange for financial support in its war with Russia. While emphasising that Kyiv was not proposing “giving away” its resources, Zelensky said he was open to a mutually beneficial partnership to develop them jointly. The group of 17 rare earth metals are vital in the production of high-performance magnets, electric motors and consumer electronics.

# And rugby: The Bulls bagged a dramatic 33-32 win over the Stormers in a exciting United Rugby Championship North-South derby in Cape Town on Saturday in front of a crowd of 47-thousand spectators. Stormers replacement Clayton Blommetjies missed an easy conversion in the last minute of the match, which would have won the game for the hosts. Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos, Warrick Gelant and Ben-Jason Dixon scored tries for the Stormers while Cobus Wiese, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Harold Voster and David Kriel went over for the Bulls.

Stay tuned for more news………….