News 07:00

BULLETIN 17 August 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa signs the electricity reform bill, paving the way for a competitive energy market
# A senior Zelenskyy aide says the Kursk attack will force Russia to negotiate
# And in rugby, there is World rankings pressure on the Boks and All Blacks today

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act into law, introducing major reforms to the electricity sector. The new law aims to establish a competitive electricity market, promote renewable energy, and reduce energy costs. It also mandates the creation of an independent transmission system operator within five years. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says these reforms are part of the broader energy action plan to ensure long-term energy security and end load-shedding: 

Eskom has meanwhile confirmed that load-shedding has now been suspended for 142 consecutive days since 26 March this year. Spokesperson Daphne Mokoena says the utility’s Generation Operational Recovery Plan has reduced diesel expenditure by 74-percent, saving 10.21-billion-rand. Eskom’s improved operational efficiency has also resulted in a significant drop in unplanned outages:

# The DA has called on International Relations minister Ronald Lamola to push for significant reforms within SADC at the 44th Heads of State and Government Summit in Zimbabwe. Spokesperson Emma Powell emphasised the urgent need to re-establish the SADC Tribunal, strengthen its independence, and enhance the decision-making powers of the organisation’s administrative arm. She also called for reforms to the double troika system to prevent member states from obstructing regional progress.

# A senior aide to Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the aims of its attack on Russia’s Kursk region is to get Moscow to start peace talks to end the war. Mykhailo Podolyak says the incursion will also influence public opinion because the Russians are shocked by the ability of Ukraine’s forces to enter Russian territory. Meanwhile residents of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region were told to evacuate. Russian forces are said to be approaching the outskirts after intense fighting in recent days.

# And, Rugby: Ireland will replace South Africa in top spot in the world rankings if the Springboks should lose to Australia in their Rugby Championship Test in Perth today. A draw will also see the Irish leap-frogging the world champions. The Wallabies will improve from ninth to eighth place if they win. If the All Blacks should lose to Argentina again, they will slip to fourth in the rankings. New Zealand and Argentina kick off in Auckland just after nine, followed by the Boks and the Wallabies at 11.45.

Stay tuned for more news………….