News 15:00

BULLETIN 25 July 15:00

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africa signs a key pre-deal with the US just days before the 30-percent tariff deadline
# An 82-year-old man is found murdered on a plot north of Pretoria
# And rugby: The Currie Cup Premier Division kicks off in Mbombela

# South Africa has signed a key agreement with the US trade representative, days before new import tariffs are set to take effect. From 1 August, the US plans to raise tariffs on most South African exports from 10- to 30-percent, excluding key minerals like platinum and chrome. Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau confirmed the agreement during the department’s budget vote in the National Council of Provinces, calling it a key step toward a final trade deal:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Northern Cape’s green hydrogen masterplan is a future economic powerhouse, central to South Africa’s renewable energy transition and vital to the country’s long-term economic growth. Speaking during a meeting with the provincial leadership in Kimberley, Ramaphosa said he believes the plan will not only boost the local economy but also support national development and strengthen the wider Southern African Development Community region:

# An 82-year-old man was murdered on his smallholding in the Buffelsdrift area, north of Pretoria, last night after four attackers allegedly entered his home and assaulted him. Maroela Media reports that the Buffelsdrift Bewarea confirmed in a statement that the victim was Mossie Mostert. A cellphone and money were stolen from the house. According to the community, he was a beloved resident and long-time owner in the area.

Moving abroad:

# Britain’s Science and Technology minister, Peter Kyle, says his country supports the eventual recognition of a Palestinian state, but the immediate priority should be alleviating the suffering in Gaza and securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He told Sky News the UK wants Palestinian statehood, and the right circumstances for a long-term political solution. French president Emmanuel Macron said earlier they intend to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, a plan that drew strong condemnation from Israel and the United States.

# Rugby: The Currie Cup Premier Division kicks off at seven o’clock this evening when Pumas host the Griquas at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. Tomorrow, the Lions will welcome the Sharks to Ellis Park in Johannesburg at 3 pm, and two hours later, Western Province will take on their arch enemy, the Bulls, at the Cape Town stadium. The weekend’s last encounter will start in Wellington at three o’clock on Sunday afternoon between Boland and Cheetahs. The Sharks are the defending champions.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at17-rand-74-cents and the euro at 20-rand-79-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-86-cents and Bitcoin trades at 116-thousand-643-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-341-dollars-1-cent a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-57-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….