News 13:00

BULLETIN 2 July 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# SARS launches the 2024 tax season with its auto-assessment portal
# The separation of the Energy portfolio is praised for its potential to end load-shedding
# And tennis: Sabalenka withdraws from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury

# The South African Revenue Service has kicked off the 2024 tax season by opening the auto-assessment portal for simpler tax affairs. Spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko advises taxpayers to log into eFiling or the SARS MobiApp for assessments. In addition, disagreements can be addressed by filing returns by 21 October for non-provisional taxpayers. Sibeko emphasises SARS’s commitment to make the filing period seamless, and cautions South Africans against scammers:

# The establishment of a separate Electricity and Energy Ministry, led by minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and deputy minister Samantha Graham, has garnered positive reactions. Stakeholders praise its potential to end load-shedding permanently and navigate South Africa through the energy transition. Critics emphasise the ministry’s critical role in ensuring security, affordability, sustainability, and competitiveness in energy. Urgent priorities include legislative amendments, regulatory clarity, and municipal reform to support distribution and transmission sectors.

Meanwhile, the Department of Sport, Arts And Culture has welcomed the appointment of minister Gayton Mckenzie and his deputy, Peace Mabe. McKenzie takes over from former minister Zizi Kodwa, who resigned last month. The department’s spokesperson, Zimasa Velaphi, says the new leadership will ensure sustainable growth within the creative and cultural industries, promotion and preservation of the heritage sector, as well as the development of the sports sector:

# Tennis: Russian lucky loser Erika Andreeva took Aryna Sabalenka’s place at Wimbledon after the world number three withdrew due to a shoulder injury. The two-time Grand Slam champion from Belarus reached the semi-finals at the All England Club in 2021 and last year. Sabalenka was regarded as one of the favourites after winning the Australian Open earlier this year. She says she is heartbroken over the decision, but promises to be be back stronger than ever next year.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-47-cents and the euro at 19-rand-80-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-33-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-603-dollars-45-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-329-dollars-98-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 87-dollars-17-cents a barrel.

# And finally: One of the country’s first university choirs to blend western classics and traditional African melodies, the Nelson Mandela University Choir, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. Over the years, the choir has had many highlights, including performing for Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth and Desmond Tutu. Earlier this year, the choir shared its stage in Gqeberha with singers from South Korea, showcasing the beauty of harmony and friendship through music. The choir is now under the baton of new director Robert Gillmer.

Stay tuned for more news………….