News 11:00

BULLETIN 21 June 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Transnet is going to appeal the order to pay billions in damages to Sasol Oil
# Louisiana is the first US state to make the Ten Commandments mandatory in classrooms
# And rugby: Felipe Contepomi is rebuilding the Pumas for the 2027 World Cup in Australia

# Transnet plans to appeal a ruling by the High Court in Pretoria to pay over six-billion-rand in damages plus interest to Sasol Oil and TotalEnergies. The ruling follows a long-running dispute over pipeline tariffs to the Natref refinery. Sasol Oil and TotalEnergies were awarded 3.8-billion-rand and 2.1-billion-rand in damages, respectively. The state-owned entity expressed disappointment and says the judgment has significant implications for its ability to fulfil its obligations. Transnet is instructing its legal team to appeal.

# The DA in Free State says it hopes premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae’s leadership will bring about tangible restoration and progress for the residents, especially the 62-percent of people living in poverty. The DA’s Roy Jankielsohn says Letsoha-Mathae’s promise to tackle corruption and build an ethical state has been noted, and the party will closely monitor the progress made in fulfilling this promise, ensuring that corruption in government is decisively addressed:

Louisiana has become the first state in the US to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. Republican Governor Jeff Landry signed the law into legislation on Wednesday requiring a poster-sized display of the religious directives in a large, easily, readable font in all classrooms, from kindergarten to state-funded universities. Landry said if you want to respect the rule of law, you’ve got to start from the original lawgiver – which was Moses. However, those opposing the new law, including civil rights groups, have vowed to challenge the legislation in court.

# Rugby: New Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has named a much-changed squad for next month’s Tests against France and Uruguay, leaving out 15 members of the squad at last year’s Rugby World Cup. Among the big-name absentees from Contepomi’s first full squad are ageing Test centurions hooker Agustin Creevy and fly-half Nicolas Sanchez as well as utility back Juan Cruz Mallia. Contepomi has selected four uncapped players. He says this year in the starting point of a new World Cup cycle leading up to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

# The National Sea Rescue Institute cautions coastal residents about the full moon Spring tide, causing higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides. The Spring tide will peak on Saturday. Bathers and boaters are advised to be cautious due to expected rough seas and elevated tides. The institute’s Craig Lambinon says rough seas and winter storms amplify hazards for bathers, boaters, and coastal hikers:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-99-cents and the euro at 19-rand-27-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-78-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-578-dollars-6-cents. Gold sells at twee-thousand-359-dollars-15-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-52-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….