News 17:00

BULLETIN 29 April 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Presidency says the improvements in energy supply are not election-related
# The EFF is to present payment proof for residents of the Nancefield Retirement Village
# And Rugby:  A former Scotland captain reveals his stay at rehab after a recent arrest

# The Presidency refutes claims that improvements in the energy supply are politically motivated ahead of the elections. It attributes the progress to strategic interventions outlined in the energy action plan, including increased maintenance, procurement of new capacity, and support for rooftop solar initiatives. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says while energy supply remains constrained, efforts are ongoing to stabilise and enhance energy infrastructure for long-term sustainability:

# The EFF in Gauteng’s Provincial Elections Task Force Convener, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, will present proof of rent payment for over 40 elderly residents of Nancefield Retirement Village in Eldorado Park, fulfilling party leader Julius Malema’s commitment. Additionally, a contractor has been appointed by the party to repair broken infrastructure. Spokesperson Dumisani Baleni says the payment presentation will take place tomorrow:

# The City of Johannesburg is appealing to residents and businesses to allow its field meter inspectors access to read both water and electricity meters on their properties. It will be conducting an audit on meters and do special meter readings across the city. The city’s spokesperson, Nkosana Lekotjolo says this is to ensure that customers receive accurate bills and meter readings on a monthly basis:

# At least 45 people died when a dam burst its banks near a town in Kenya’s Rift Valley, as torrential rains and floods batter the country. The disaster raises the total death toll over the March to May wet season in Kenya to more than 120, as heavier than usual rainfall pounds East Africa, compounded by the El Nino weather pattern. Residents say the accident occurred in the dead of night, sending water gushing down a hill and engulfing everything in its path.

# Rugby: Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has revealed spending time at a rehabilitation centre helped him “reset” after being charged by police in connection with an incident in the Scottish Borders. Hogg, Scotland’s all-time leading try scorer, retired from playing in 2023 prior to the start of the Rugby World Cup, announced a desire for a new career. Hogg won 100 caps for Scotland and went on three tours with the British and Irish Lions.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-70-cents and the euro at 20-rand-1-cent. One British pound costs 23-rand-42-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-450-dollars-69-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-332-dollars-71-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 87-dollars-68-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….