News 08:00

BULLETIN 8th October 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The government says an attack on a police officer is an attack on the rule of law
# Transnet is showing notable financial improvements
# And AfriForum approaches the court over Tshwane’s controversial cleansing levy

# Government has condemned any form of physical or verbal attack directed at police officers or any law enforcement officers. This follows a viral video showing a female officer being assaulted in Kimberley, Northern Cape. Two people have since been arrested and face several charges, including assaulting a police official and resisting arrest. Government deputy spokesperson, William Baloyi, says an attack on a police officer is an attack on the rule of law itself, and it undermines the stability and safety of society:

# Transnet says its reinvest for growth strategy alongside continued support, including approved government guarantees of 51-billion-rand and 94.8-billion-rand, positions the company on a firm path to long-term profitability. The state-owned entities’ revenue increased by 7.8-percent to 82.7-billion-rand in the financial year ended 31st March 2025, compared to 76.7-billion-rand last year. It reported a net loss of 1.9-billion-rand, a significant improvement from the 7.3-billion-rand loss in 2024. Transnet says despite improved financial performance, it continues to face significant operational challenges, including derailments and equipment reliability.

# AfriForum has filed an urgent application to prevent the City of Tshwane from continuing to charge the controversial city cleansing levy on residents. In June, the High Court in Pretoria declared the levy illegal, with the metro’s application for leave to appeal also dismissed. However, Tshwane petitioned the Supreme Court of Appeal in September, resulting in the suspension of the initial court order. AfriForum’s Arno Roodt says they want the levy rescinded until the appeal process is concluded:

# Canadian prime minister Mark Carney says he is optimistic about the prospects of eventually reaching a trade agreement with the US. He visited the White House on Tuesday. US president Donald Trump imposed a 35-percent levy on Canadian imports in July, but has allowed exemptions for goods that fall under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact. Carney says there are areas where Canada and the US can compete, and areas where the nations will be stronger together:

# Soccer: Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners has been ruled out of Bafana Bafana’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. The South African Football Association says Rayners has been withdrawn from the squad due to medical reasons. Evidence Makgopa has been called up as his replacement. Rayners’ withdrawal follows that of Orlando Pirates forward Relebohile Mofokeng due to injury. South Africa face Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday and Rwanda in Mpumalanga on Tuesday.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-20-cents and the euro at 20-rand-4-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-9-cents and Bitcoin trades at 121-thousand-783-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-11-dollars-53-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-77-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….