News 08:00

BULLETIN 8 August 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC tightens the vetting of its mayoral candidates
# The new board of the Public Investment Corporation establishes governance structures to ensure stability
# And rugby, four key Currie Cup matches are taking place this this weekend

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the party is breaking the traditional selection of mayoral candidates by rigorously vetting and interviewing mayoral candidates ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Speaking as the ANC finalises its election manifesto, Mbalula said more than ten-thousand ward candidates are also being processed nationwide. He added the stricter selection process aims to ensure capable leaders are chosen to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery:

# The Afrika Mayibuye Movement says it will contest all municipalities in the 2026 Local Government Elections, fielding candidates across South Africa. The Movement’s president Floyd Shivambu says its candidates were identified through consultations covering all four-thousand-488 wards. Shivambu says the process focused on finding ethical, capable and community-centred leaders. He says the approach reflects its commitment to deliberative democracy, consultation and consensus-building in local governance.

# The newly appointed Public Investment Corporation Board has met to establish oversight and corporate governance structures aimed at ensuring stability and continuity. The Board welcomed a Pretoria High Court ruling declaring the precautionary suspension of PIC CEO Patrick Dlamini invalid and unlawful. Dlamini has resumed his duties as CEO and executive director. The Board says allegations contained in a whistle-blower report will be independently investigated and they will cooperate with ongoing investigations.

# Statistics South Africa says electricity generation fell by 8.1-percent in June compared with the same month last year, while electricity available for distribution fell by 2.8-percent. On a monthly basis, both electricity generation and distribution also decreased in June, reflecting lower power production and consumption. Stats SA’s Tsholofelo Ditinti says electricity generation was down 2.5-percent in the second quarter compared with the first quarter of the year:

# Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has expressed his condolences to the families following the death of 17-year-old St Stithians College learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and the 19-year-old Ethan Coetzee. Both were found dead at a lodge in Sabie on Monday. Maile’s spokesperson, Onwabile Lubhelwana, says the MEC has urged the public to allow the police investigation process without speculation or unverified information. He says that safer schools and psychosocial support remain priorities:

# And rugby: The Currie Cup enters an exciting fourth round this weekend with four key clashes. Defending champions Griquas host the Lions in a top-of-the-table showdown in Kimberley this afternoon. The Bulls 15 face the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld, hoping to revive their campaign after a slow start. The Sharks 15 welcome unbeaten Boland Kavaliers to Durban in another crucial encounter. Sunday’s only fixture sees the Stormers 23 take on the Cheetahs in Cape Town, with both sides chasing valuable points in the race for the semi-finals.

Stay tuned for more news………….