News 06:00

BULLETIN 29 January 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC vows to accelerate energy security
# Jacob Zuma’s daughter to appear in court in connection with the July 2021 unrest
# And the UN warns of a fast-deteriorating situation in the DRC

# The ANC has vowed to accelerate energy security, focusing on stabilising Eskom and promoting renewable energy. The party commends efforts that have already led to over 300 days of uninterrupted electricity supply and pledges continued progress in resolving the utility’s challenges to ensure a more reliable power supply. ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula says the party aims to expand renewable energy, support economic recovery, and create jobs:

Meanwhile, Mbalula also says the party is committed to revitalising transport networks, focusing on modernising infrastructure to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth. Following its lekgotla over the weekend, the party aims to improve infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and ensure safety, especially for connecting rural and urban areas. According to Mbalula, these efforts aim to boost economic growth and provide better public transport services to all citizens:

# The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition has launched an independent investigation into the South African Bureau of Standards amid persistent allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Minister Parks Tau confirmed the probe would start soon. Concerns include the temporary loss of cement accreditation and cybersecurity issues. Tau admitted that the instability of the SABS board was concerning. Trade, Industry, and Competition Portfolio Committee members stressed the need for transparency and the protection of whistleblowers as the investigation progresses.

# MK Party leader Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, is set to appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges relating to the July 2021 unrest. It is alleged that she was one of the instigators of the unrest with her social media posts. In February last year, the South African Human Rights Commission’s report revealed that 40-thousand businesses and 50-thousand informal traders were affected by the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, while 150-thousand jobs were put at risk. Over 300 people died. The financial damage was estimated at 50-billion-rand.

# The United Nations is warning of a fast-deteriorating situation in Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo amid an ongoing assault by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. At least 17 foreign peacekeepers have now been killed in clashes with the rebels, including 13 South African National Defence Force soldiers. The UN aid coordination office’s spokesperson, Jens Laerke, says they demand an immediate halt to the M23 rebel offensive and for the group to withdraw from territories it has seized:

# Cricket: The Proteas are worried over the fitness of middle-order batter David Miller before the Champions Trophy. The Paarl Royals’ captain suffered a groin injury during fielding in the SA20 match against Durban’s Super Giants on Monday and didn’t bat. Miller said afterwards his right groin was a little tight, but believes it was just a tweak. This follows Anrich Nortjé’s withdrawal from the Champions Trophy, while there is also doubt over Lungi Ngidi’s fitness. The tournament starts in Pakistan on 19 February.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-66-cents and the euro at 19-rand-45-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-20-cents and Bitcoin trades at 101-thousand-285-dollar-10-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-763-dollars-44-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 77-dollars-53-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….