News 09:00

BULLETIN 4 October 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Mandla Mandela’s wife pleads for his safe return
# The Ad Hoc Committee’s evidence leaders are confident in its progress
# And, Eskom’s recovery plan pushes energy availability above 70-percent

# Former president Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela’s wife is pleading for his safe return after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying activists, including South Africans. Nosekeni Mandela told SABC News the family’s last direct contact was on Wednesday morning. Nosekeni says Mandla felt obligated to join the mission due to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. She added the family fully supports him, but fears deeply for his safety:

# Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee evidence leader, Norman Arendse, says several public submissions had been received ahead of hearing evidence from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The commissioner exposed claims of political interference in the justice system in crime prevention. Arendse told the committee that the Intelligence Inspector-General had first sought direction from the Joint Standing Committee before meeting the ad hoc committee:

# Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan has pushed the month-to-date Energy Availability Factor to 70.45-percent, surpassing its 70-percent target. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says this has improved plant reliability with reduced unplanned outages. The power utility reports 140 consecutive days without load-shedding, with just 26 hours recorded since April. Mokwena says diesel reliance has dropped sharply, cutting costs and boosting efficiency. Unit 6 at Kusile has entered commercial operation, adding to baseload supply. Eskom forecasts no load-shedding this summer due to sustained generation performance improvements.

# The Commission for Gender Equality has welcomed a landmark Constitutional Court ruling declaring unequal parental leave provisions discriminatory. The court held that birth mothers, fathers, adoptive parents, and commissioning parents in surrogacy arrangements must enjoy equal leave entitlements under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and Unemployment Insurance Act. The commission says this judgment affirms dignity, shared caregiving, and gender equity, urging Parliament to urgently amend laws to reflect inclusive family rights.

# The Syrian-American Jew Henry Hamra is running for a seat this Sunday in Syria’s first legislature since the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. If chosen, Hamra, whose father was reportedly the last rabbi to leave Syria, would be the first Jewish representative to enter parliament since the 1940s. Local committees select two-thirds of the 210-seat legislature, with the rest nominated by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, under a selection process criticised as undemocratic.

# And the Johannesburg Metro Police Department has warned motorists of traffic disruptions around Orlando Stadium today, ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup match between Orlando Pirates and Siwelele FC. Road closures on Mooki and Martha Louw Streets start at 11 am, affecting N17, Soweto Highway, and Klipspruit Valley Road. Alternative routes and designated parking are available. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla has urged motorists and spectators to plan and exercise patience:

Stay tuned for more news………….