News 08:00

BULLETIN 10 September 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The government says the latest GDP figures demonstrate the resilience of the country’s economy
# The DA demands a professional, non-cadre US ambassador
# And tennis: The Canada-Israel Davis Cup tie will be played in a closed venue over safety concerns

# Government has welcomed the latest economic figures released by Statistics South Africa, which indicate that the country’s gross domestic product grew by 0.8-percent in the second quarter of this year. This follows a modest 0.1-percent increase in the first quarter. Manufacturing, mining, and trade led growth on the supply side of the economy. The government states that, amid challenging global economic conditions, these figures demonstrate the country’s economic resilience. It adds that it remains committed to policies that foster inclusive and sustainable economic development.

# The DA says president Cyril Ramaphosa’s failure to confirm that South Africa’s ambassadorial nominee to the US will not be another cadre deployee is concerning. Answering questions in Parliament yesterday, the president said he is finalising the appointment of a new ambassador, promising a seasoned, globally astute diplomat with deep knowledge of American politics and markets. The DA’s Ryan Smith says South Africa needs to approach this diplomatic appointment with the seriousness it requires:

# The Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has voiced deep concern after five Crime Prevention Wardens were injured in a violent attack in Daveyton on Sunday. Armed assailants, reportedly carrying high-caliber weapons including an AK-47, opened fire during a routine patrol. The Committee chairperson, Bandile Masuku, has stressed the urgent need for better training, equipment, and support for Wardens:

# Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country acted wholly independently in its strikes on Qatar. The Israeli military launched an attack targeting Hamas leadership in Doha yesterday. Hamas says the strike killed five of its members but did not assassinate the negotiating delegation. Qatar has been a key mediator in ceasefire talks, maintaining direct channels with the US, Israel, and Hamas. Netanyahu says the day when terror leaders can enjoy immunity is over:

# Tennis: The Davis Cup match between Canada and Israel will be played in a closed venue without spectators in Halifax this weekend due to safety concerns. This comes after more than 400 Canadian athletes and academics urged Tennis Canada in a letter to cancel the event over Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Tennis Canada says intelligence from local authorities and national security agencies indicated a risk of significant disruption to the event. The winner of the tie will advance to the 2026 Davis Cup qualifiers.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-51-cents and the euro at 20-rand-50-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-70-cents and Bitcoin trades at 111-thousand-547-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-634-dollars-39-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-73-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….