News 08:00

BULLETIN 23 May 8 am

Good morning. I am ……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says the Trump meeting was a success
# The FF Plus is pleased with minister Godongwana’s amended budget
# And Rand Water confirms Tshwane’s water is safe

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says his meeting with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, and his administration was a great success. On Wednesday, he engaged the media on the conclusion of his engagement with Trump at the White House. Ramaphosa says they have been able to reset the relationship between Pretoria and Washington, which various reports, including the so-called white genocide in South Africa, have contaminated:

Ramaphosa says the possibility of billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink coming to South Africa was not discussed. This comes as the government is planning a workaround of local black ownership laws for Starlink internet service to operate in the country. Ramaphosa told the media that they need to create a conducive environment for foreign direct investment to come into the country:

# The Freedom Front Plus says the amended budget tabled by minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, is a victory for multiparty democracy in South Africa. The minister aimed to fill the revenue hole dug by the scrapping of the proposed value-added tax hikes while keeping mounting state debt levels under control. The FF Plus says it is pleased that its proposals regarding constructive solutions to stimulate economic growth and promote cost-effective state expenditure have been incorporated into the budget.

# Rand Water has confirmed that Tshwane’s water remains safe to drink, despite a yellowish to brownish tint seen in several areas. City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo says the discoloration follows the rapid filling of the Vaal Dam, releasing natural organic matter. Tests show water quality remains within national standards. He stresses that the City and Rand Water will continue to monitor the situation closely:

# Cricket: The Mumbai Indians defeated the Delhi Capitals by 59 runs, booking their spot in the Indian Premier League playoffs. Suryakumar Yadav scored an unbeaten 73 off 43 balls as Mumbai posted 180 for five in their 20 overs. In reply, Mitchell Santner and Jasprit Bumrah were impressive with the ball, taking three wickets each as Delhi were bowled out for 121 with ten balls to spare. Mumbai now join Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings in the knockout stages.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-97-cents and the euro at 20-rand-38-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-14-cents and Bitcoin trades at 110-thousand-817-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-341-dollars-94-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-42-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….