News 09:00

BULLETIN 30 August 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# NERSA registers 111 new generation facilities
# Zelensky says talks on security guarantees should occur at the leaders’ level
# And rugby: The Griquas thrash the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup competition

# The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has registered 111 new generation facilities in the first quarter of 2025/26 to boost the energy sector. This totaling one-thousand-916-megawatts and an estimated 51.91-billion-rand investment. NERSA spokesperson Charles Hlebela says the energy regulator achieved an average turnaround of eleven working days, improving on last year’s 15. Solar Photovoltaic dominated new projects, with Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal leading in numbers:

# The DA in the Western Cape says the province is stepping up its fight against gender-based violence. During Women’s Month, the Department of Social Development launched 51 GBV-focused programmes and established two new GBV ambassador groups, bringing the total to 13. The province also funds 19 organisations and 25 shelters offering psycho-social, legal, and social work services. The DA’s Wendy Kaizer-Philander urged victims to seek help:

# Gauteng MEC for Environment Ewan Botha has closed a recycling facility in Vereeniging for operating without a Waste Management Licence. Botha says this violates the National Environmental Management Waste Act. The facility also breached Occupational Health and Safety, labour, and immigration laws, with ten undocumented workers apprehended. He stressed the initiative ensures only licensed, compliant facilities operate, protecting jobs and promoting sustainable recycling practices.

# President Volodymyr Zelensky says that discussions by Kyiv’s partners on security guarantees for Ukraine should be “urgently” elevated to a leaders’ level, and that American President Donald Trump should take part. Ukraine is seeking robust commitments from Kyiv’s allies as part of any peace deal to end the war with Russia.  Zelensky told reporters he expects to continue discussions with European leaders next week on what he described as NATO-like commitments. Zelensky added he would also like to see allies ratify any security guarantees through their respective parliaments.

# And finally, rugby news:

The Griquas produced a superb first-half performance which led them to a thumping 40-10 Currie Cup win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday night. Both teams attacked with abandon, but the Griquas were way more clinical as they ran in five first-half tries to lead 33-5 at halftime, before a much tighter second half was battled out. The bonus point win sees the Griquas jump from third to the top of the log. They can only be dethroned if the Boland Kavaliers pick up a bonus point win over the Sharks in their clash in Pietermaritzburg today.

Meanwhile, the Lions have stated their intention to go full-out to win the Currie Cup by including several of their United Rugby Championship players. The union’s head coach, Ivan van Rooyen, also took over from Mziwakhe Nkosi. Among the URC players picked for this afternoon’s clash with the Bulls in Johannesburg are Springboks Quan Horn and Ruan Venter, Richard Kriel, and new signings Chris Smith and Eduan Keyter. Player of the tournament in the recent Junior World Championship, Haashim Pead, could make his debut from the bench.

Stay tuned for more news………….