News 18:00

BULLETIN 9 September 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa confirms South Africa will appoint a highly experienced and skilled ambassador to the US
# Israel targets senior Hamas leaders in Doha
# And soccer: Nigeria is focused on the World Cup qualifier against South Africa

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says government will soon appoint a new ambassador to the US. Responding to questions in Parliament, Ramaphosa said the chosen candidate will be highly experienced, well-rounded, and knowledgeable in global politics and the American market. He indicated that several applicants have shown interest, and the appointment process reflects the need for skilled diplomats in today’s complex geopolitical environment:

Ramaphosa also says the pre-planned visit of the South African National Defence Force chief, Rudzani Maphwanya, to Iran, did not harm South Africa’s international relations. He emphasises that South Africa respects the sovereign relations of other countries and expects the same in return:

# The Money Summit at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg has brought together finance and investment leaders to assess South Africa’s economic outlook, investment potential, and the future of finance and accounting. Discussions focus on global and local economic risks, geopolitics, slow economic growth, and structural challenges. Government strategies such as Operation Vulindlela alongside efforts to reduce debt, and lift South Africa off the grey list, aim to stimulate growth and investor confidence.

Moving abroad:

# The Israeli military says it targeted senior Hamas leaders. This follows after AFP journalists in Doha reported explosions and smoke rising above the Qatari capital, where the Palestinian group’s political bureau is based. The military says it conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of Hamas, without specifying where the strike took place. The armed wing of Palestinian militant group Hamas, meanwhile claimed responsibility for yesterday’s shooting attack in Jerusalem that killed six people.

# Soccer: Nigerian coach Eric Chelle has described tonight’s crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa as a big game. He says the focus is solely on the match despite the ongoing yellow card controversy surrounding Bafana Bafana, stating that any disciplinary issues are for world governing body FIFA to resolve. Chelle insists his players are motivated and ready to play the best soccer:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-50-cents and the euro at 20-rand-53-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-70-cents and Bitcoin trades at 112-thousand-236-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-649-dollars-22-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-87-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….