News 11:00

BULLETIN 17 March 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Energy Regulator approves the transfer of Eskom’s powers to the national transmission company
# Cape Town obtains an interdict against extortionists delaying the MyCiTi project in Mitchells Plain
# And, rugby: Ireland are crowned the Six Nations champions – again

# The National Energy Regulator has consented to the transfer of Eskom Holding’s powers and duties, related to the power purchase agreements with independent power producers, to the National Transmission Company of South Africa. This is in accordance with the Electricity Regulation Act. NERSA spokesperson, Charles Hlebela, says the transmission company’s trading licence will be amended accordingly:

In its reaction, Cosatu says workers fear Eskom’s unbundling may be a precursor to its future privatisation, impacting jobs and electricity tariffs. The union federation remains deeply concerned about the unbundling, including the announcement on the establishment of a Transmission Company. Cosatu acting spokesperson, Matthew Parks, says they oppose the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill and call on Parliament to reject it:

# The Western Cape High Court has granted the City of Cape Town an urgent interdict against any person attempting to delay the MyCiTi bus service construction project in Mitchells Plain. Those contravening the interdict will be arrested. Mayoral committee member for Mobility, Rob Quintas, says the project has been delayed since 28 February, meaning the city has already lost at least 13 working days:

# The Ministry of Health in Gaza says 37 people, including children and pregnant women, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential block in central Gaza over the weekend. CNN says it obtained footage from the incident near the Nuseirat Camp, showing the dead and wounded being brought to Al Aqsa Martyrs’ hospital. According to medical staff, 35 of the 37 victims were members of one family. The Israel Defence Force also released a video of the strike, saying “several Hamas terrorists” were living in the area.

# And, rugby: Ireland retained their title with 17-13 win over Scotland in Dublin to clinch the 2024 Six Nations championship. The title is some consolation for missing out on historic Six Nations Grand Slams. In Lyon, France edged England in a seven-try thriller to finish second. The score was 33-31. And in Cardiff, Italy condemned Wales to a first Six Nations whitewash in 21 years with a narrow 24-21 victory. Head coach Warren Gatland wanted to resign after the humiliation, but the Welsh Rugby Union rejected the offer.   

Stay tuned for more news………….