News 17:00

BULLETIN 24 April 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Stage 2 load-shedding is implemented
# President Volodymyr Zelensky appeals for help in returning Ukrainian children who were taken to Russia
# Rugby: The Stormers will face Benetton in Cape Town on Saturday

# Eskom has announced that despite significant progress in generation recovery efforts, higher-than-expected electricity demand, the loss of generation units, and extensive planned maintenance have placed strain on the system. As a result, Stage 2 load-shedding was implemented from 4pm today and will remain in effect until 5am tomorrow.

# Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed for South Africa’s help in securing the return of over 400 Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the war. Speaking via an interpreter during his visit to Pretoria, Zelensky said many of the children were taken against their will and are being held in harsh conditions. He thanked president Cyril Ramaphosa for supporting peace efforts, and urged stronger global pressure on Russia to end the war:

Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen meanwhile says talks with Zelensky will focus on securing markets for South African produce and ensuring access to grain and fertilizer. The discussions aim to address global supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Steenhuisen stressed the importance of these supplies for food security, and pledged continued support for small-scale farmers through better market access:

# Southern African Fraud Prevention Service has seen an increase in fraud listings, victim listings and protective registrations. According to the 2024 Interpol African Cyberthreat Assessment Report, countries identified ransomware and digital extortion as one of the most serious cyber threats faced by the continent. The organisation’s spokesperson, Elmi Kemp, says one of the sectors that experiences significant levels of fraud is the insurance sector. She adds that technology is being used extensively as a tool to commit fraud:

# Rugby: The City of Cape Town has announced various logistics that fans can expect to ensure seamless operations during Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match between the Stormers and Italian team Benetton at the Cape Town Stadium. Fans are urged to use public transport due to limited parking in Green Point. Free MyCiTi bus shuttles for ticket holders will run from quarter-to-four, with the last buses departing at quarter-past-four. Mayoral committee member JP Smith warns of heavy traffic due to month-end activity and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-67-cents and the euro at 21-rand-24-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-84-cents and Bitcoin trades at 92-thousand-846-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-327-dollars-77-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-69-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, in partnership with Use-It Waste Beneficiation and Key Bricks, has unveiled a cost-effective building block made from 70-percent recycled construction waste and glass. Demonstrated in Kwa-Zulu-Natal, the interlocking, recyclable bricks need no cement and simplify construction. The innovation aims to cut housing costs, reduce illegal dumping, and unlock business opportunities.

Stay tuned for more news………….