News 17:00

BULLETIN 8 November 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Nersa publishes Eskom’s proposed tariff changes for public consultation
# Johannesburg demands Eskom retract its power disruption notice
# And Eben Etzebeth will captain the Springboks against Scotland tomorrow

# The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has published Eskom’s proposed changes to electricity tariffs for public review. These changes aim to make pricing fairer by aligning it with actual costs for generation, transmission, and distribution. Key proposals include removing the steep tiered pricing for residential users, offering credits for solar power exports, and adjusting costs for large industries and municipalities. Eskom says the restructuring won’t generate extra revenue, but will better reflect the true cost of electricity services. The public is invited to provide feedback through consultations and hearings. 

Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg has given Eskom five days to withdraw a notice threatening power cuts over an alleged 4.9-billion-rand historic debt and 1.4-billion-rand current debt. The city disputes Eskom’s billing, asserting overcharges now under court review. According to News24, chief financial official Tebogo Moraka says the city would pursue legal action if Eskom refuses to retract the notice. He says the city seeks constructive negotiation to protect residents and maintain reliable power amid escalating financial tension with Eskom.

# The Pan South African Language Board will consult with interested groups on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. CEO Lance Schultz emphasised to Newzroom Afrika the board’s commitment to protecting mother-tongue education and preventing language-based exclusion. He says the board will mediate on linguistic rights, advocating bilingual education to support South Africa’s diverse, multilingual society:

# The Gauteng Health Department is warning establishments not to sell scheduled medication to residents without a license. The department’s spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says according to the law, only licenced pharmacies and registered healthcare professionals are authorised to sell or dispense medicines in South Africa. He adds that the illegal sale of scheduled medication poses a public health risk:

# Rugby: Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith will earn his 50th Test cap when the Springboks line up against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday. Locks Franco Mostert and RG Snyman return after long spells on the sidelines due to injury. Coach Rassie Erasmus named Eben Etzebeth as captain with Siya Kolisi starting on the bench. The bench has seven forwards and one back. The team shows 11 changes to the starting team that defeated Argentina in their closing Rugby Championship clash in September. Jaden Hendrikse starts at scrumhalf with Handré Pollard at flyhalf.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-53-cents and the euro at 18-rand-88-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-70-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-114-dollars-36-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-691-dollars-43-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-55-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….