News 12:00

BULLETIN 16 February 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Johannesburg Property Company confirms the planned demolition of the Marshalltown building 
# DA’s Gauteng leader’s car is attacked by alleged ANC members 
# And Cricket: Kane Williamson and Will Young power the Black Caps to beat the Proteas 

# The Johannesburg Property Company has confirmed plans to demolish the Marshalltown building where 77 people died in a fire. CEO Helen Botes states the building, hijacked in 2019, is deemed unsafe. Activists criticise the company for ill management of buildings in Johannesburg. Botes explained to the commission of inquiry that the owners who operated a shelter in the building, lost funding in 2019, leading to the contract not renewed:

# Gauteng DA leader Solly Msimanga has condemned an attack on his car by alleged ANC members in Hammanskraal. Msimanga reported anti-campaign threats towards the DA and has called on the Independent Electoral Commission to intervene. Additionally, he urges ANC Gauteng chairperson Panyaza Lesufi to address the situation and rein in ANC members:

# Eskom has downgraded load-shedding to stage two, as a result of the return of additional generating units, ample emergency reserves, and an expected decrease in electricity demand. This positive shift comes into effect from this morning until further notice. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena assures the public of continuous monitoring of the power system, promising prompt communication for any significant changes.

# Egypt is building a massive kilometres-wide buffer zone and wall along its border with southern Gaza, as fears grow over Israel’s planned ground offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population is sheltering. Satellite images show a significant section of Egyptian territory between a roadway and the Gaza border has been bulldozed. The construction comes as fears grow that the already horrific humanitarian situation in Gaza will worsen. Rafah is the last remaining refuge for displaced Palestinians.

# Cricket: A century from Kane Williamson and a half century from Will Young powered New Zealand to a comfortable seven-wicket win over the Proteas, in the second test at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Earlier in the match the Proteas batted first scoring 242 all out. The Black Caps responded with 211 all out, giving the Proteas a slim 31-run lead. The second innings saw the visitors all out for 235. This set New Zealand 267 to win, which they chased down in the end. The win gave the hosts a first ever test series win over the Proteas.

Stay tuned for more news………….