News 11:00

BULLETIN 11 February 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# NATJOINTS is ready to deliver a safe and secure state of the nation address
# Trump is set to host Netanyahu at the White House amid escalating tensions in the Middle East
# And rugby: Scotland’s Hollie Davidson is set to make Six Nations history on Saturday

# The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure says extensive safety and security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful and secure state of the nation address in Cape Town. President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow set out government’s key policy priorities and deliverables for the year ahead. National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says any lawlessness, criminality, or behaviour that contravenes the law will be dealt with accordingly:

Meanwhile, Build One South Africa warns South Africa is becoming a consequence-free society, with criminal networks embedding themselves in key state institutions. The party says rising crime, including nearly 80 murders and over 130 rapes daily, is threatening both safety and economic growth. BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane urges Ramaphosa to use the state of the nation address to make it clear no-one, whatever their political position, is above the law:

# The EFF has condemned energy regulator Nersa’s decision to approve even steeper electricity tariff increases for Eskom. Nersa has approved back-to-back increases of 8.76-percent this year and 8.83-percent next year. The adjustment, up from an initial five-percent, is to make up to Eskom after Nersa blundered a previous price determination. The EFF is calling for an immediate halt to future tariff increases, a fundamental review of Nersa’s tariff determination, and Eskom’s sustainability model.

Moving abroad:

# Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US president Donald Trump at the White House today amid escalating tensions with Iran and challenges with the US-backed Gaza peace plan. This will be his seventh visit to Washington since Trump’s return to the White House last year. Netanyahu says Iran is the most important issue on the agenda. He is reportedly planning to present Trump with fresh intelligence on Iran’s military capabilities, as Israel remains concerned about the country’s progress in restoring its ballistic missile stockpiles. 

# Rugby: Scotland’s Hollie Davidson says refereeing in the Six Nations is a massive honour. The 33-year-old is set to become the first female to take charge of a men’s Six Nations match on Saturday, when Ireland hosts Italy in Dublin. She already officiated 47 Tests – 34 women’s and 13 men’s – Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and two Women’s World Cups. Davidson hopes to inspire young girls and boys:

# 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-76-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-730-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-and-62-dollars-38-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-89-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….