News 16:00

BULLETIN 14 February 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Eskom restructures its forensic and investigative functions to combat corruption
# The IRR challenges the racial narrative in South Africa
# And rugby: The Sharks will take on the Bulls without their top Boks

# Eskom has restructured its forensic and investigative functions as part of its ongoing efforts to combat corruption and strengthen governance. The new group investigations and security division, reporting directly to CEO, Dan Marokane, aims to tackle misconduct and improve internal controls. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says these steps, along with a partnership with the Special Investigating Unit, are crucial to holding wrongdoers accountable and recovering financial losses:

# FutureCoal says consistent and clear policies and strategies that enhance the responsible and sustainable use of coal are needed. It launched its Southern Africa Chapter, bringing together four leading coal-rich nations, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Collectively, the four countries possess an estimated 150-billion tons of coal reserves. FutureCoal CEO, Michelle Manook, says sustainable coal stewardship is possible, particularly as coal remains a strategic asset for countries developing their economies:

# The Institute of Race Relations has refuted claims that South Africa is mired in racial hatred. According to the IRR’s Hermann Pretorius, recent data reveals 87-percent of South Africans prioritise collaboration among racial groups, while unemployment and job creation remain the nation’s top concerns. The IRR urges leaders to abandon failed race-based policies like BEE and focus on non-racial economic growth strategies to restore national pride.

# Rugby: The Sharks will miss a number of Springboks when they take on the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship at Loftus Versveld in Pretoria tomorrow. Vincent Tshituka continues as captain in the absence of Boks Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi. The Sharks have a Bok front row comprising Ntuthuko Mchunu, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane. Grant Williams and Siya Masuku form the halfback pairing, while Lukhanyo Am partners with Jurenzo Julius in the midfield. Ethan Hooker, Yaw Penxe and Jordan Hendrikse are the back three.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-38-cents and the euro at 19-rand-23-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-13-cents and Bitcoin trades at 96-thousand-694-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-931-dollars-90-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-30-cents a barrel.

# And finally: In recognition of International Childhood Cancer Day today, the South African Bone Marrow Registry is urging increased funding for educational resources to aid in the fight against childhood cancer. The registry believes access to accurate, research-backed information can improve early detection, enhance treatment, and support families. Currently, late diagnoses remain a major challenge in South Africa. The register says better awareness can help improve survival rates.

Stay tuned for more news………….