News 09:00

BULLETIN 25 February 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Bureau for Economic Research says Ramaphosa no longer appears to be politically weakened
# Donald Trump touts his economic successes in the State of the Union address
# And cricket: England is the first team to seal their semifinal spot in the T20 World Cup

# The Bureau for Economic Research says president Cyril Ramaphosa’s reform agenda is gaining momentum, helping to stabilise South Africa’s economy and strengthen confidence in government. The bureau believes improved fiscal discipline, lower inflation and ongoing institutional reforms have created a more stable economic environment. It says the progress lowers the risk of Ramaphosa becoming a powerless leader, as the ANC, now governing in a coalition, cannot afford another divisive recall while reforms are beginning to deliver results.

# Southern African Development Community Health minister are calling for stronger partnerships, increased investment in health infrastructure, and the acceleration of training of healthcare workers. The minister held a two-day meeting in Johannesburg to review progress on regional health commitments and strengthening collaboration. Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, says strengthening primary healthcare systems remains key to improving outcomes across the SADC region:

# The City of Cape Town has welcomed the Western Cape High Court’s dismissal of attempts to block the release of 50 City-owned properties for private sector investment. The metro will be auctioning off land parcels on Thursday, including the Good Hope Centre. Mayoral committee member for Economic Growth, James Vos, says the land release process is lawful, transparent and aims to unlock economic and social value for Capetonians across the metro:

# US president Donald Trump says America is back, bigger, better, richer, and stronger than ever before. Delivering his 2026 State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, he touted his economic agenda, saying he has overseen a turnaround for the ages. Trump sought to draw a contrast with former president Joe Biden’s administration, arguing that he has put the nation on a firmer financial footing. He says his administration has achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before:

# Cricket: England has qualified for the T20 World Cup semifinals with a game to spare, following a two‑wicket Super 8 victory over Pakistan in Pallekele. Pakistan posted 164 for nine in their 20 overs, with Liam Dawson taking three wickets. In reply, captain Harry Brook rescued England from a top-order collapse, scoring 100 off 51 balls, as his team reached the target with five balls to spare. Pakistan must beat co‑hosts Sri Lanka on Saturday and hope other results go their way to have any chance of making the semifinals.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-94-cents and the euro at 18-rand-80-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-54-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 65-thousand-468-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-184-dollars-76-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 70-dollars-97-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….