News 16:00

BULLETIN 1 September 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# An economist says a stronger rand cannot offset the global fuel price surge
# The South African Schools governing body backs stricter boundaries for teacher and learner WhatsApp communication
# And soccer: Pitso Mosimane is yet to finalise Bafana’s assistant coach

# A KPMG South Africa economist says a stronger rand cannot offset a global fuel price surge in September. Economist Frank Blackmore says the under-recovery for 95 octane petrol is one-rand-6-cents and for 93 octane 96-cents. Diesel under-recoveries are also high at two-rand-71-cents and two-rand-92-cents. Blackmore says while the rand strengthened from 16-rand-90 to 16-rand against the dollar, global fuel prices rose sharply, caused by the Russian-Ukrainian war:

# Four South African industry organisations have raised concerns over reports that six Chinese companies plan to establish manufacturing facilities in Gauteng. The firms are expected to produce transformers and pylons for the National Transmission Company’s expansion programme. The Power Line and Substation Association of South Africa, Manufacturing Circle, Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa and Association of Electric Cable Manufacturers of South Africa say South Africa has established manufacturers and supply chains capable of supporting the electricity infrastructure rollout. They warn existing domestic capacity should be prioritised.

# The Department of Basic Education is preparing guidance to set boundaries for teacher-learner communication on WhatsApp and social media to prevent inappropriate relationships. The deputy CEO of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools, Riaan van der Bergh, says the issue is behaviour, not technology. He says regulation will not fix unethical conduct and warns private chats are risky and therefor group chats offer more oversight. He suggests formal platforms, school-hour chats only and parental involvement.

# Soccer: Newly-appointed Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane says his technical team is not yet complete, with another assistant coach still to be appointed. Speaking at SAFA House, Mosimane confirmed Kabelo Rangoaga and Musi Matlaba as members of his technical staff. He says they are carefully considering candidates to ensure the right person is appointed at national team level. Mosimane says the process continues:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-14-cents and the euro at 18-rand-71-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-85-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-729-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-357-dollars-82-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 94-dollars-74-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The SA Weather Service warns the current El Niño weather pattern which may become the strongest on record, will probably cause below-normal rainfall from October to January, with above-normal temperatures. Spokesperson Hannelee Doubell says the combination with global warming could make 2027 the warmest year ever. Heatwaves may be severe if dry conditions occur. It is expected that Pacific sea surface temperatures are likely to exceed three degrees Celsius above normal.

Stay tuned for more news………….