News 09:00

BULLETIN 23 February 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Load-shedding is upgraded to stage 6
# The FF Plus elects Corné Mulder as new leader
# And rugby: A convincing victory for the Bulls over the Lions at Loftus

# Eskom announced stage 6 load-shedding had to be implemented at 1.30 this morning until further notice due to multiple unit trips at its Camden power station in Mpumalanga. This follows after stage 3 was implemented yesterday, which Eskom ascribes to multiple unit trips at Majuba in the same province. South Africa experienced about ten months without interruption until late last month, when load-shedding was introduced for less than two days. Twenty days with uninterrupted power supply followed.

But Eskom says it’s summer outlook for 1 September last year to 31 March this year remains unchanged, projecting a largely load-shedding-free period due to structural generation improvements. Spokesperson Daphne Mokoena says this is supported by a stable power system and adequate emergency reserves. She emphasises this progress underscores the success in enhancing generation capacity and maintaining a reliable electricity supply ahead of winter 2025:

# The Freedom Front Plus has uncontestedly elected Corné Mulder as its new leader after Pieter Groenewald declined re-election. Groenewald, who is the current minister of Correctional Services, stepped down having led the party for the last nine years. The party’s Wouter Wessels assured supporters while the leadership has changed, the party’s core values remain. Groenewald will now focus on his ministerial role in the government of national unity.

# The City of Tshwane has acknowledged a ruling by the High Court in Pretoria which prohibits the city from impounding vehicles of Wanatu and other e-hailing services operating without a valid permit. Spokesperson Selby Bokaba says the metro will seek legal advice and consult with the Department of Transport. He says Tshwane remains committed to ensuring compliance:

# And to end with, rugby: The Bulls moved to within two points of second-placed Glasgow Warriors on the United Rugby Championship log when they beat the Lions 31-19 at Loftus. Springbok winger Canan Moodie scored two of the home team’s five tries, with Willie le Roux, Sebastian de Klerk and Marco van Staden also crossing the line. David Kriel converted two. The Lions replied with tries through Henco van Wyk, PJ Botha and Richard Kriel. Leinster is still comfortably on top of the log, with the Lions in twelfth position.

Stay tuned for more news………….