News 08:00

BULLETIN 17 January 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A former Steinhoff director is jailed for 376-million-rand fraud
# The adverse weather conditions are expected to improve gradually from Monday
# And cricket: MI Cape Town is focused on the play-off after a win over Sunrisers Eastern Cape

# The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced former Steinhoff at Work director Iwan Peter Schelbert to five years’ direct imprisonment for fraud exceeding 376-million-rand. Schelbert admitted to generating a fraudulent invoice that inflated Steinhoff’s financial statements. This was the third Steinhoff case. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Lumka Mahanjana says proceedings against the remaining accused, Hein Adendaal and Stephanus Johannes Grobler, will resume on 6 February 2026 for further proceedings:

# SAPS Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo says there is no evidence linking former Police minister Bheki Cele to alleged payments from businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala. Addressing Parliament’s ad hoc committee, Khumalo dismissed claims that Cele received 500-thousand in cash. Matlala alleges two payments were made in 2025, but police say investigations have not substantiated these allegations:

# The South African Weather Service says heavy rain and flooding in parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo are expected to gradually ease from Monday, with more stable conditions by Tuesday. Areas including Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge, Mbombela, Giyani, Tzaneen, Maruleng, Letaba, and Collins Chabane remain at high risk, with fast-flowing rivers, damaged roads, and displaced communities. Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela urged residents to follow disaster management guidance:

Meanwhile, the DA supports the declaration of a state of disaster in Limpopo following severe flooding in the Mopani and Vhembe Districts. However, the party calls for strict oversight of the response. They warn that urgent repairs to roads, bridges, and essential services must be managed transparently to avoid corruption and ensure effective recovery. The DA’s Lindy Wilson urges the establishment of an inter-governmental task team and an independent inquiry to review flood response and rebuilding.

# The government welcomes the World Bank’s forecast showing South Africa’s economy grew by 1.3-percent last year. The report attributes these improvements to a more reliable electricity supply, a strong agricultural harvest, and increased business confidence. The bank further projects growth of 1.4-percent this year and 1.5-percent next year, driven mainly by private consumption, investment, and ongoing reforms in energy and logistics. Deputy government spokesperson, William Baloyi, says the outlook shows reforms are starting to work:

# And cricket: MI Cape Town have kept their SA20 hopes alive with a thrilling victory over Sunrisers Easter Cape at Newlands on Friday. The hosts’ three-wicket win keeps them in the running for a playoff spot. To do that, they will need another win against Sunrisers at St George’s Park on Sunday.  Chasing 140 runs to win, all-rounder Marco Jansen dismissed the home team’s openers early. Still, mini partnerships assisted MI Cape Town to effectively chase the target and secure the victory in the final over with four balls to spare.

Stay tuned for more news………….