News 08:00

BULLETIN 18 July 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deputy president Mashatile emphasises the importance of our relations with China
# The public service union says the 30-percent tariff is a threat to key sectors
# And Donald Trump vows to sue the Wall Street Journal for a fake Epstein letter

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed South Africa–China’s commitment to deepening cooperation in support of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. He is on a working visit to China, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries. Mashatile says while the relationship has benefited both nations by increasing trade and investment, there are some drawbacks, such as a continuing trade deficit that favours China:

# The Public Servants Association says the looming imposition of a 30-percent tariff on South African exports to the US is a clear and immediate threat to key sectors such as automotive and agriculture. President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that diplomatic engagements are underway with the US aimed at reducing the tariff, de-escalating tensions, and preserving market access for the country’s producers. PSA’s spokesperson, Claude Naiker, says it’s important that the country has strong and stable trade relations with America:

# Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi says the province will fully cooperate with the commission of inquiry established to probe the alleged political interference with police investigations. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi claimed there was a drug syndicate operating in Gauteng, with links to metro police in municipalities, prosecutors, and politicians. Lesufi told the SABC that he would avail himself to the commission if required, to ensure no stone is left unturned:

# US president Donald Trump has vowed to sue The Wall Street Journal, its parent company News Corp, and the company’s chairman, Rupert Murdoch. This is after the Journal reported that a collection of letters gifted to sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, for his 50th birthday in 2003 included a note bearing Trump’s name and an outline of a naked woman. On Truth Social, Trump said he had warned the newspaper and Murdoch that the letter was a fake, but instead went with the false, malicious, and defamatory story anyway. 

# Golf: South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout is among a five-way tie for a one-shot lead following an opening round four-under 67 of the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. He is joined in the lead by England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, American Harris English, Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen, and China’s Haotong Li. World number one American Scottie Scheffler is one shot behind alongside English duo Matthew Jordan and Tyrrell Hatton. Rory McIlroy is three shots back as he chases a historic victory on home soil.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-79-cents and the euro at 20-rand-69-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-90-cents and Bitcoin trades at 120-thousand-146-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-335-dollars-13-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-66-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….