News 14:00

BULLETIN 8 September 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africa’s economy contracts by 0.2-percent in the second quarter of 2026
# Minister Manamela calls on young people to apply early to Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges
# And tennis: Zverev is the only man to reach the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams this year

# South Africa’s economy contracted by 0.2-percent between April and June 2026, ending six consecutive quarters of growth. According to Statistics South Africa’s latest gross domestic product, mining, trade and manufacturing were the main drags on economic activity. Mining fell by three-percent, while trade declined 1.9-percent. Manufacturing recorded its third consecutive contraction by 1.8-percent. On the positive side, transport and communication grew 0.9-percent, while construction and agriculture also expanded. Economists say rising imports and subdued investment further constrained economic growth.

Meanwhile, Build OneSouth Africa says key job-creating sectors are struggling. BOSA leader Musi Maimane says the government of national unity promised growth and stability, but the economy continues to stagnate, resulting in fewer jobs, less investment and pressure on households:

# Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, is urging Grade 12s to apply to Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges for the 2027 academic year, before the application deadline. Government is seeking to position TVET colleges as institutions of choice for young people considering further education, employment and entrepreneurship. The department’s spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat, says TVET colleges are not a second choice but central to the skills revolution:

# Tennis: Top-seeded Alexander Zverev is through to the US Open quarterfinals after defeating Italy’s Luciano Darderi. He is the only man to reach the quarterfinals of all four majors this season. Zverev will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, who fought from two sets down to beat French lucky loser Arthur Gea in five-hours-and-13-minutes, the fourth-longest US Open match on record. Belgium’s Alexander Blockx battled past Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. He will play Russia’s Karen Khachanov.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-3-cents and the euro at 18-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-70-cents and Bitcoin trades at 78-thousand-874-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-403-dollars-36-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 100-dollars-5-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, says the courage of generations of South African and Namibian women must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls today and in the future. She participated in the virtual National School of Government’s South Africa-Namibia ministerial dialogue. Chikunga says the intertwined histories of the two countries continue to offer important lessons for the present generation. She identified women’s economic empowerment, digital inclusion and leadership as key to building future-ready societies.

Stay tuned for more news………….