News 06:00

BULLETIN 13 February 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says government action is driven by a need for rapid and inclusive economic growth
# The Weather Service warns of rough seas with cyclone Gezani approaching Mozambique
# And cricket: The Proteas defend Rabada after his nightmare last over against Afghanistan

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says economic growth is gathering pace, the country’s credit rating has improved, and there is a clear path to stabilising national debt. He delivered the State of the Nation Address in Cape Town yesterday evening. South Africa has recorded four consecutive quarters of GDP growth over the last year. Ramaphosa says government actions are now driven by the need for rapid and inclusive economic growth to create more jobs:

Ramaphosa also says he will establish a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will chair, to address the country’s water challenges. Parts of Gauteng have been experiencing water shortages, leading to a number of protests. The government has committed 156-billion-rand in public funding for water, sanitation, and infrastructure over the next three years. Ramaphosa stated that the government is in the final phases of establishing a national water resource infrastructure agency:

# The High Court in Johannesburg has granted tenderpreneur Vusi “Cat” Matlala access to consult with his lawyers at Kgosi Mampuru C-Max prison in Tshwane ahead of his pre-trial hearing. Matlala, facing 25 serious charges including 11 counts of attempted murder, appeared in court with his wife Tsakane and three co-accused. The court ordered correctional services to provide a space for private, unrestricted discussions. The pre-trial proceedings have been postponed and are set to continue on 26 February.

# Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell has urged residents to save water, fix leaks, report burst pipes, and follow water restrictions to help protect supplies for households, businesses, and farmers. Bredell visited Stellenbosch, Beaufort West, Laingsburg, and Prince Albert to assess water security amid ongoing drought conditions. Stellenbosch’s Idas Valley Dam is 30-percent full, while Beaufort West’s Gamka Dam sits at just 14-percent, prompting phase four water restrictions from next month.

# The South African Weather Service says tropical cyclone Gezani is strengthening in the Mozambique Channel and could bring very rough sea conditions near the Mozambican coast. However, there is no direct threat to South Africa at this stage. Strong winds and high waves are expected from today, with wave heights possibly rising above four metres and reaching up to ten metres. Senior forecaster Lauren Smith says heavy rain may also affect coastal areas of Mozambique:

# Cricket: Teammates defended pace bowler Kagiso Rabada over his nightmare over that almost cost the Proteas victory in Wednesday’s T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan. The opponents needed 13 runs from the last over and Rabada took their last wicket from the first ball, but overstepped. He added another no-ball later, but then ran out Fazalhaq Farooqi to force a super over. Another was necessary before South Africa could win. Ryan Rickelton says it was just one terrible over in Rabada’s otherwise stellar career.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-93-cents and the euro at 18-rand-92-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-72-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-211-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-921-dollars-10-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-11-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….