News 14:00

BULLETIN 20 June 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# National Assembly speaker highlights top of the agenda priorities for Parliament
# Giwusa is concerned about the state of the economy 
# And Olympic Games: More South African athletes are announced for Paris

# Newly elected National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has confirmed some of the priority agendas when Parliament convenes. Didiza says all members who were not sworn in, including 58 MK Party members will now have the opportunity. MK will participate as the official opposition, along with the progressive caucus. Didiza also confirmed the convening of the Rules and Programming Committees and resuming the budget debate to outline departmental resource utilisation.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape premier Alan Winde says reducing the new cabinet’s size is crucial for the success of the government of national unity. He emphasises an experienced, skilled and honest cabinet is essential for political stability and implementing significant reforms. Winde believes the next cabinet must effectively lead change and improve the economy:

# The General Industries Workers Union says it is worried about the state of affairs in South Africa, particularly the economy. Giwusa’s Koketso Phasha says a big area of concern is the rising cost of basic goods, as portrayed in a recent report. He adds South Africans are seeing decreases which are basically drops in an ocean of spiralling prices, which predict more pain for consumers:

# The Automobile Association has advised motorists to perform maintenance on their vehicles as winter sets in. According to the AA, cold weather can exacerbate unnoticed issues from warmer months. It says people drive less in winter, making it an ideal time for servicing. The AA also emphasises regular checks are crucial for optimal performance and road safety. It highlights the importance of personal security during shorter winter days due to heightened criminal activities.

# Olympic Games: The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee gave Team South Africa’s representation for the Paris Olympics a considerable boost when additional names and sporting codes were revealed. Sascoc says the expansion has increased South Africa’s representation to 114 athletes in 15 codes. Significant names added to Team SA include Johanita Scholtz, a double African Games gold medallist in badminton, Henri Schoeman, a triathlete, and John Smith, a rower. The Games start on 26 July.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-12-cents and the euro at 19-rand-44-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-2-cents and Bitcoin trades at 65-thousand-701-dollars-51-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-334-dollars-90-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-24-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….