News 13:00

BULLETIN 6 July 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa says investor confidence in South Africa’s digital economy trajectory is growing
# Rugby: Foote makes six changes for the Junior World Championship clash against Wales
# And the two-pot system exposes South African’s spending habits

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says investor confidence in South Africa’s digital economy trajectory is growing, as the country’s ambition to be a leading digital investment destination is being recognised globally. Last week, Google hosted its first-ever African Cloud Summit in Johannesburg, where it announced a range of investments. This includes a three-million-rand digital innovation centre to be built in Soweto. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa says Microsoft, Amazon and Mastercard are also investing in the country. He adds the digital economy is a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. 

# The DA will submit new information to strengthen the criminal case it previously opened against former Ekurhuleni city manager, Imogen Mashazi. An investigative piece by News24 revealed she resided in a 60-million-rand mansion in the Waterfall Equestrian Estate, previously owned by corruption-accused businessman Edwin Sodi. The DA’s Khathutshelo Rasilingwane says the report states the property carries an estimated monthly rental of 200-thousand-rand while Mashazi earned approximately 3.1-million-rand per annum:

# Police are concerned about the unlawful use of blue lights. Criminal syndicates, commonly known as “blue light gangs”, have used them to impersonate law enforcers and rob, hijack and terrorise unsuspecting motorists. Two suspects were arrested in Centurion, Gauteng, for the illegal use of blue lights on a private vehicle this weekend. Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says the law is very clear about the lawful installation and use of blue lights:

# Rugby: Junior Springbok coach, Kevin Foote, says they are expecting a stern test against a gritty Welsh team in the crucial Junior World Championship Pool A clash in Tbilisi, Georgia, tomorrow. Foote has made six changes, four to the backline, including Alzeadon Felix moving from the bench to start at fullback, and two changes among the forwards. Both teams are unbeaten, with South Africa having the edge courtesy of their extra bonus point. The winner of the clash will top the pool and secure a place in the semifinals.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-22-cents and the euro at 18-rand-52-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-63-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-692-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-147-dollars-6-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-75-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Financial insurer Old Mutual says South Africa’s two-pot retirement system has revealed how financial stress shapes spending habits. Old Mutual says in a statement coinciding with National Savings Month that nearly two years after its introduction, many members, including high-income earners, withdrew savings despite heavy tax penalties, prioritising immediate needs over long-term retirement goals. Most withdrawals were used for living expenses, debt and emergencies. The insurer says the findings highlight the need for personalised financial education and support to help South Africans build stronger long-term financial resilience.

Stay tuned for more news………….