News 08:00

BULLETIN 24 January 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Water and Sanitation warns of an imminent failure at the Senteeko Dam in Mpumalanga
# Minister Tau welcomes announcement of Chery South Africa’s investment in the country
# And rugby: The Bulls record their first win in Edinburgh

# The Water and Sanitation Department is warning the public that the Senteeko Dam, located in the Kaap River catchment area in Mpumalanga, is at risk of imminent failure. Spokesperson Wisane Mavasa says an emergency safety assessment has confirmed that the dam’s spillway structure has suffered severe and irreversible deterioration, including advanced erosion and undercutting, leading to structural instability. She says failure of the dam is imminent and may occur without further warning:

# Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau has welcomed the announcement of the investment by Chery South Africa in the automotive sector. The investment comes on the back of an agreement signed between Chery SA and Nissan South Africa to acquire all the assets of Nissan’s Pretoria facility. Spokesperson Kaamil Alli says the department continues its engagement with the industry to revamp the automotive policy and support measures:

# The City of Johannesburg says a joint law enforcement operation in Ferndale recently demonstrated its firm stance against unlawful property use. Officials targeted two properties illegally operating as a brothel and an unapproved multiple dwelling. Water services were disconnected, and fines were issued. The city’s Nthatisi Modingoane says such operations are crucial to enforcing by-laws, safeguarding residents, and ensuring safe and lawful living conditions:

# Sportsnews:

# Rugby: The Bulls pulled off a historic victory as they came back from 17-5 down to beat Edinburgh 19-17 in their United Rugby Championship match in the Scottish capital last night. Second-half tries from Johan Grobbelaar and Marco van Staden, combined with Handre Pollard’s conversions, completed the comeback for the Pretoria-based side. And in Brigend, the Lions played to a 24–24 draw against the Ospreys. Captain Francke Horn scored two tries, with PJ Botha and Quan Horn also crossing. Both teams secured three log points, including a try-scoring bonus point.

# Tennis: Alex de Minaur underlined his credentials as the leading home hope at the Australian Open on Friday, securing a 6-3 6-4 7-5 win over American 29th seed Frances Tiafoe. As a result of the victory has reached the fourth round of the tournament for a fifth successive year. De Minaur has never gone past the quarterfinals at his home Grand Slam. The last Australian man to lift the Open trophy was Mark Edmondson 50 years ago, and the country is building expectations around the country’s top-seeded player.

# And finally soccer: American forward Trinity Rodman has become the highest-paid female player in the world when Washington Spirit signed her on a three-year contract for 32.3-million-rand per year. The 23-year-old daughter of former basketball star Dennis Rodman’s previous deal with the team expired at the end of last month after representing them in 47 matches since 2022. Team owner Michele Kang describes Rodman as a generational player who represents the club’s future as well as the future of the women’s game.

Stay tuned for more news………….