News 11:00

BULLETIN 7 September 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# COSATU urges government to ramp up its engagement on the US tariffs hike
# The Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation achieves its fifth consecutive clean audit
# And three people are killed on the N4 toll road near Mbombela

# Cosatu says the government must ramp up engagements with the US over the 30-percent tariff hikes imposed on South African exports. The federation says negotiations must ensure that tariffs can be lowered and a mutually beneficial new trade agreement put in place. Cosatu’s spokesperson, Zanele Sabela, says the tariffs will have far-reaching consequences for exporters and the broader ailing South African economy:

# The Auditor-General of South Africa has issued an unqualified clean audit opinion on the financial statements of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the 2024/25 financial year. The ministry’s spokesperson, Veli Mbele, says this is the department’s 5th consecutive clean audit outcome. He says the audit confirms that the department’s financial performance and cash flow for the year is in accordance with the Modified Cash Standard and the Public Finance Management Act:

# Three people were killed when a Volkswagen Polo collided into the rear of the light delivery vehicle on the N4 toll road between Karino and Valecia interchange in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, last night. The provincial Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison’s spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, says the sedan overturned on the side of the road after colliding with the light delivery vehicle. He says two people from the sedan sustained serious injuries:

# Air Canada flight attendants overwhelmingly voted against the airline’s latest wage offer on Saturday. Their union says the vote is expected to have no impact on flight operations. The tentative deal, which ended a strike at the airline last month, includes a 12-percent salary increase this year for most junior flight attendants and an eight-percent raise for more senior members. The Canadian Union of Public Employees said in a statement that 99.1-per cent of members rejected the proposal, arguing flight attendants would still earn less than the federal minimum wage.

# And finally, sports news:

# Soccer: South Africa dominated Lesotho 3-0 at the Free State Stadium on Matchday 7 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This victory allows Bafana Bafana to strengthen their hold on first place in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Hugo Broos’ men entered this clash with 13 points on the board, determined to keep their momentum and move closer to qualification. On the other side, Lesotho, struggling in fifth place, was hoping for a second win in these qualifiers.

# Tennis: World number one Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus overpowered Amanda Anisimova to defend her US Open crown yesterday, defeating her American rival in straight sets to clinch the fourth Grand Slam title of her career. Sabalenka ruthlessly attacked Anisimova’s shaky service game to complete a two-set victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium, which cements her status at the pinnacle of women’s tennis. In the men’s competition, reigning champion Jannik Sinner expects another “special” occasion today when he plays Carlos Alcaraz after the Italian reached his fifth successive Grand Slam final on Friday.

Stay tuned for more news………….