News 08:00

BULLETIN 1 February 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Human Rights Commission is to investigate the growing load reduction in disadvantaged communities
# Four police officers arrested in the Stilfontein mine kingpin Tiger’s escape case
# And, soccer: Traffic disruptions are expected around the FNB stadium for the Soweto derby

# The South African Human Rights Commission is set to convene a national investigative inquiry into the impact of load reduction on human rights. The inquiry, scheduled for 3, 4, and 18 February in Sandton, Gauteng, comes amid growing concerns, especially in disadvantaged communities, about the increasing frequency of load reduction, despite a halt in load-shedding. The commission’s Wisani Baloyi invites submissions from the public, civil society, and relevant experts to contribute to the investigation:

In another development, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association says the return of load-shedding after nearly ten months is a sad setback. They acknowledged the disappointment of not reaching a full year without power cuts but emphasised that progress has been made with positive trends in the energy sector. The association’s De Wet Taljaard called for continued commitment as solar energy is vital in achieving a more secure and resilient energy future:

# Four police officers have been arrested in connection with the escape of alleged Stilfontein illegal mining kingpin James Neo Tshoaeli, known as “Tiger.” He fled after a rescue operation recovered 78 bodies from an underground goldmine. Accused of violence and extortion, Tshoaeli remains at large. North West Acting Police Commissioner Patrick Asaneng says the officers were granted one-thousand-rand bail and will return to the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 5 March:

# Traffic disruptions are expected around FNB Stadium today, due to the Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Key roads like Nasrec Road and Soweto Highway will be closed from 11 am to 7 pm. Public transport, including Rea Vaya buses and park-and-ride services, will also be running. Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla advised fans to arrive early to avoid delays:

# And, South African beauty queen Tshego Gaelae has made history by becoming the first black woman to win the Mrs World title, claiming the crown at the 2025 competition in Las Vegas, United States. The 34-year-old attorney and Mrs South Africa 2024 dedicated her win to all South African women, expressing pride in representing her country on the global stage. Gaelae hopes to inspire women to embrace their strength and purpose. Her victory marks the second time a South African has won the title, following Candice Abrahams in 2016.

Stay tuned for more news………….