News 09:00
BULLETIN 13 June 9 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# South Africa’s manufacturing production declines sharply in April
# The Gauteng government denies the use of public resources for Lesufi’s Mexico trip
# And road running: Government urges supporters to rally behind the 2026 Comrades runners
# Statistics South Africa says manufacturing production declined by 2.9-percent in April compared with a year earlier, with the biggest losses recorded in the steel, paper and automotive sectors. Production also fell month-on-month, continuing a weak trend in the industry. Stats SA’s Nicolai Claassen says manufacturing sales showed a slight improvement, rising by 0.7-percent in April and increasing over the past three months, driven mainly by gains in the steel and motor vehicle sectors:
# The Motor Industry Staff Association says the medical aid system is under severe pressure as rising living costs force many workers to drop their cover. According to the union, stagnant wages, high fuel prices and unemployment are making medical aid unaffordable, especially for young people and low-income workers. The association’s Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says many households are forced to choose between healthcare and basic needs like food and transport:
# The Gauteng government says premier Panyaza Lesufi is on official leave and has travelled to Mexico in a private capacity, with no public funds or government resources used for the trip. Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga says Lesufi only accepted stadium tickets and did not travel with government staff or protocols. Mhlanga added business in Gauteng continues as normal, with established systems in place to ensure service delivery is not affected:
# An overhaul of immigration and asylum policy entered into force across the European Union yesterday, a decade in the making, as EU countries have come under pressure from far-right nationalist parties. The EU-wide agreement introduces stricter border controls, faster case processing, expanded digital tools to track asylum applications and increased deportations. It was adopted in 2024 with a two-year implementation period. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the pact as fair and firm. Levels of readiness for the changes vary across the 27 EU member states.
# Road running: Government has extended its warmest wishes and support to the thousands of local and international athletes set to participate in the historic Comrades Marathon on Sunday. This year marks the 99th edition of the marathon and all South Africans are called to rally behind the runners for the 85-kilometre Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The success of South African distance running continues to inspire the continent and the world. The Cape Town Marathon this week was officially recognised as Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major, joining the ranks of the world’s most prestigious marathons.
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has deployed teams to ensure road networks are fully prepared for the Comrades Marathon taking place tomorrow. Approximately 22-thousand runners are expected to participate in the iconic race between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya says the department has also deployed Road Traffic Inspectorate officers to help ensure the safety of athletes, spectators and visitors along the route:
Stay tuned for more news………….