News 14:00

BULLETIN 9 April 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Eskom implements its emission reduction plan to hold mines accountable for better quality coal
# Officials are monitoring high-risk areas and assessing need for humanitarian aid in the Western Cape
# And, a Gauteng singer makes South Africa proud in Idols Austria

# Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says a coal quality initiative through the emission reduction plan seeks to improve environmental compliance. The plan will hold mines accountable for better quality coal. Updating the media on the energy action plan, Ramokgopa said Eskom was actively engaging with mines to ensure high-quality coal production, prioritising community health. He emphasised the need to safeguard communities while meeting energy supply demands:

# Disaster Risk Management officials in the Western Cape are actively monitoring high-risk areas and assessing the need for humanitarian and engineering assistance. Volunteers are aiding in damage assessments with 28 incidents of structural damage across areas like Delft, Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha in Cape Town. Spokesperson Charlotte Powell confirmed that efforts are ongoing to address uprooted and damaged trees, utility disruptions, and road closures:

Meanwhile Government says the National Disaster Management Centre, and provincial and local disaster management teams across the country are on high alert and assisting communities affected by heavy rains. Communities in flood-affected areas are urged to exercise caution as flooding continues. South Africans should ensure that children are safe and do not cross flooded roads, bridges and rivers. Communities affected by floods are urged to remain vigilant and listen to special warnings on radio, TV and verified social media accounts or from local authorities.

# Cricket: The first of three one-day internationals between the Proteas Women and Sri Lanka will be played at Buffalo Park in East London today. Following their two-one loss to Sri Lanka in the T20 series, the home-side is determined to bounce back. Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed the team’s readiness to shift focus towards the longer format:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-48-cents and the euro at 20-rand-9-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-45-cents and Bitcoin trades at 70-thousand-407-dollars-73-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-358-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 90-dollars-56-cents a barrel.

# And finally, Gauteng singer Michael Ferguson made South Africa proud on ‘Idols Austria,’ despite not making the final cut. The former Pretoria Boys High learner has found his way to global stages, and says he takes pride in showcasing his talent abroad. Pandemic challenges led him to Vienna, where he has made waves with regional hits like Better Together. Ferguson says he will continue representing South Africa. His upcoming album promises a fusion of South African and Austrian influences, to showcase his love for both countries.

Stay tuned for more news………….