News 09:00

BULLETIN 12 June 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The first group of soldiers in the DRC is returning home on Friday
# SADTU mourns the tragic loss of learners in the Eastern Cape floods
# And the US recalls all non-essential staff in the Middle East

# The South African National Defence Force says the first group of soldiers, who were deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo, will arrive back in the country on Friday. They were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC. Their return follows the repatriation of the remains of 14 soldiers early in the year, who were killed during clashes with M23 rebels. The SANDF’s, Prince Tshabalala, says the troops will arrive at the Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein:

# The South African Federation of Trade Unions says it notes with grave concern the latest data from Statistics South Africa, which confirms the deepening crisis in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing production fell by 6.3-percent year-on-year in April 2025, marking six consecutive months of contraction. Saftu’s spokesperson, Newton Masuku, says the country’s economy is locked into a crisis created by structural failures, neoliberal dogmas, and elite capture:

# The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union says the loss of young lives is a tragedy not only for their families, but for the entire nation. This follows the death of eight learners from Jumba Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape, after their scholar transport bus was swept away by floods in Mthatha on Tuesday. Their bodies were recovered yesterday. Sadtu’s spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi, says the pain and anguish experienced by the affected families is beyond comprehension:

# The United States has ordered the departure of non-essential diplomatic personnel and their families from embassies in the Middle East, due to the potential for regional unrest. The State Department has authorised the departure of staff from embassies in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This comes as tensions involving Iran and Israel have recently escalated as the Trump administration continues to pursue a new nuclear deal with Iran. The department says the decision to reduce staffing was made after a thorough security review. 

# Rugby: Six players are leaving the Sharks after their United Rugby Championship season came to an end with their semifinal loss to the Bulls. Eduan Keyter is leaving for the Lions, James Venter moves to Gloucester, Ntuthuko Mchunu moves to the Stormers, Henry Immelman returns to the Bulls after being on loan and Dylan Richardson relocates to Edinburgh, while Gerbrand Grobler’s destination is unknown. The Sharks announced on social media, thanking the players for their service and wishing them all the best for the future.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-70-cents and the euro at 20-rand-38-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-4-cents and Bitcoin trades at 107-thousand-72-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-370-dollars-63-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-95-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….