News 16:00

BULLETIN 10 February 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul O’Sullivan insists that he won’t testify about matters before 1990
# An unprotected Samwu strike hits Johannesburg Water amid supply cuts
# And cricket: The ICC won’t sanction Bangladesh for its boycott of the T20 World Cup

# Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has told Parliament’s ad hoc committee, probing alleged political interference in the justice system, he won’t answer questions relating to matters before 1990, citing personal and family security concerns after multiple attempts on his life. His stance was challenged by EFF leader Julius Malema, who argued he was under oath to answer all questions. O’Sullivan insisted he would cooperate unless his safety was compromised:

# Johannesburg Water workers have embarked on an unprotected strike over unpaid December bonuses, as the city faces a worsening water crisis. Municipal union Samwu says employees were not properly consulted before deductions were made. The strike coincides with Rand Water reducing supply to Johannesburg and Tshwane due to high water use, putting extra pressure on the system. Johannesburg Water says it’s using approved contractors to maintain essential services, and warns participation in the strike is on a no-work-no-pay basis.

# The Freedom Front Plus has rejected the renaming of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape to Robert Sobukwe Town, saying it erases Afrikaner history. Party leader Corné Mulder argues the name change shows government incompetence while communities lack basic services. Mulder says Graaff-Reinet, known as the Jewel of the Karoo, holds cultural and historical significance beyond Afrikaner communities. He calls on residents and the broader Eastern Cape to denounce the proposal:

Moving abroad:

# A Russian attack damaged an energy facility in Ukraine’s southern Black Sea region of Odesa, leaving large areas without power. Power company DTEK says the damage is extensive and repairs will take a long time. Regional governor Oleh Kiper said earlier some settlements in the region had been left without power. Moscow has intensified its attacks on the Ukrainian power grid and other energy infrastructure since October, leaving millions of people without power and heating in freezing weather.

# Cricket: The International Cricket Council has decided not to impose ‌any sporting, financial, or administrative penalty on Bangladesh for their refusal ​to play in India in the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh was removed from the tournament after refusing to tour India due to political tensions and security concerns, with Scotland added as their last-minute replacements. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta says Bangladesh’s absence from the World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the organisation’s enduring commitment to the country as a core cricketing nation.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-92-cents and the euro at 18-rand-97-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-80-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-716-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-and-45-dollars-70-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-85-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….