News 14:00

BULLETIN 4 August 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Government launches an economic response to the 30-percent US tariffs
# The DA urges reform and not the resignation of the NPA head Shamila Batohi
# And rugby: Chiefs flanker Simon Parker can make his debut for the All Blacks against Argentina

# The Ministries of International Relations and Cooperation and of Trade, Industry and Competition have announced a plan to support South African businesses hit by the new 30-percent US tariffs. Measures include an Export Support Desk, funding to boost local industries, and a special competition exemption allowing exporters to work together. Minister Parks Tau told the media efforts are also underway to find new trade partners in regions like the European Union, Asia, and the Middle East:

# The DA’s Glynnis Breytenbach describes calls for National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi to resign as unfair, despite labelling her tenure disappointing. Batohi has faced criticism after the NPA mishandled high-profile cases, including the Cholota extradition, the Omotoso trial, and state capture matters. Breytenbach says Batohi inherited a broken institution still riddled with internal resistance, making her job impossible. While Breytenbach acknowledged that improvements were required to address inefficiencies in the NPA, she emphasised that all blame should not be placed on Batohi’s shoulders.

# Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi says Johannesburg’s collapse stems from political instability and poor leadership choices over the past seven years. Speaking to SABC News, Lesufi noted the city’s declining revenue base, worsened by unemployment and businesses moving off the grid. Lesufi says municipalities must deliver basic services like water and electricity. He called for sustainable local government funding and public engagement with the draft White Paper on local government reform:

# The South African National Defence Force has launched an investigation into a fake video, purporting to feature a senior commander inciting members of the military to engage in an illegal strike. In the 14-minute viral video, the man is dressed in camouflage, calling on the country to march to the Union Buildings and demand that the government step down. SANDF’s spokesperson, Prince Tshabalala, says the video is misleading and maliciously fabricated:

# Rugby: Chiefs flanker Simon Parker is the only debutant named in All Blacks’ head coach Scott Robertson’s squad for the first two Tests of the Rugby Championship. This follows an impressive Super Rugby season, with Robertson saying he brings a valuable skills set and physicality. Another three uncapped players were named as injury cover. They are prop Tevita Mafileo, scrumhalf Kyle Preston and versatile back Leroy Carter. New Zealand face Argentina in Cordoba on the 16th and again in Buenos Aires a week later.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-2-cents and the euro at 20-rand-83-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-93-cents and Bitcoin trades at 114-thousand-391-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-355-dollars-507-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-65-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….