News 15:00

BULLETIN 4 August 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Government warns the 30-percent US tariffs may cut 0.2-percent from South Africa’s economic growth
# MACUA calls on the Madlanga commission to also probe the police’s Operation Vala Umgodi
# And cricket: India beats England in a nail-biter to square the Test series

# The government says the new 30-percent tariffs imposed by the US could reduce South Africa’s economic growth by 0.2-percent. In a joint media briefing, the Ministries of International Relations and Cooperation and of Trade, Industry and Competition expressed concern over the economic impact on key export sectors such as motor vehicles, citrus, and wine. Minister Parks Tau says the heightened uncertainty harms investor confidence and trade stability:

# The Mining Affected Communities United in Action has called on president Cyril Ramaphosa to request the Madlanga commission of inquiry to immediately investigate the police’s Operation Vala Umgodi. Spokesperson Sabelo Mguni says this follows the arrest of over 400 alleged illegal immigrants at a mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Friday. They believe the operation is being used not to dismantle syndicates, but to shield their leadership, while punishing the poorest links in the chain:

Moving abroad:

# China issued its highest alert for rainstorms today, days after deadly deluges swept parts of Beijing and triggered a rare apology from under-prepared officials. The municipal weather service announced a red alert, the highest in a four-tier system, forecasting heavy rain until tomorrow morning. Most parts of the capital are expected to see 100 millimetres of rain during a six-hour period overnight, but outlying areas could get between 150- and 200-millimetres. Beijing was struck hard last week when floods in its northern suburbs killed at least 44 people and left nine missing.

# Cricket: India won a nail-biting fifth and final Test against England to square the series 2-all. The hosts resumed their second innings on the final day at the Oval just 35-runs short but with just four wickets left. India claimed them within an hour to win by six runs, but not before injured England bowler Chris Woakes walked on with his left arm in a swing. Gus Atkinson succeeded in shielding him from batting, but was eventually bowled out. Mohammed Siraj took five wickets.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-1-cent and the euro at 20-rand-85-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-96-cents and Bitcoin trades at 114-thousand-425-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-367-dollars-14-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-33-cents a barrel.

# And finally: South African-born professor Michele Dougherty has made history as the first woman appointed Astronomer Royal in the UK body’s 350-year history. Born in KwaZulu-Natal, Dougherty’s journey began under southern skies, inspiring her passion for space. Her groundbreaking work on NASA’s Cassini mission and Europe’s Jupiter exploration earned her global recognition. She now holds one of the UK’s most prestigious scientific titles. Dougherty hopes her appointment encourages young girls to dream big.

Stay tuned for more news………….