News 07:00

BULLETIN 14 February 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Eskom backs a new state-owned entity to oversee the power grid and market
# AfriForum objects to draft regulations allowing fracking
# And rugby: Ireland and Italy kick off the second round of the Six Nations

# Eskom says it will support the establishment of a fully independent transmission system operator. This follows a directive from president Cyril Ramaphosa. The independent entity will also be responsible for running the national power market, a move aimed at improving governance, efficiency, and reliability in the electricity supply. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says the task team set up to deliver the transmission system operator is now underway, with Eskom committed to a smooth transition:

# AfriForum says it may take further legal action if the government moves ahead with draft regulations that could lift the current moratorium on fracking. The organisation has objected to the proposed rules, warning they do not offer adequate environmental protection and could put South Africa’s limited water resources at risk. AfriForum’s Marais de Vaal argues that authorities lack the capacity to properly enforce the regulations and prevent potential damage:

# Aluma Capital economist Frederick Mitchell says South Africa’s economy shows cautious optimism, with rising investor confidence, infrastructure improvements, and higher commodity prices. Mitchell warns that sustainable growth depends on strict fiscal discipline, debt management, and private-sector-driven investment. With debt nearly 78-percent of gross domestic product, Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s budget speech must focus on smart spending, effective tax compliance and job creation to secure long-term stability.

# The City of Johannesburg is today hosting a revenue open day for region A residents, at Fourways Crossing from 8 am to 3 pm. Residents can get help with municipal account queries, rebates, and registration on the expanded social package for low-income households. The city will also provide information on the debt relief programme, which helps qualifying customers clear arrears and set up affordable payment plans. Residents are encouraged to bring their municipal statements and identity documents.

# Australian miner Paladin Energy is on track to complete the ramp-up of its Langer Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia to reach maximum output from July. Namibia, the world’s third largest uranium producer after Canada and leader Kazakhstan, wants to consolidate its position after achieving record output last year. Production topped ten-thousand metric tonnes of uranium oxide for the first time. Paladin’s CEO, Paul Hemburrow, says higher prices globally are helping to accelerate mining investment. Recent trading in 2026 indicates prices of around one-thousand-445-rand per kilogram, up from about one-thousand 317-rand last year.

# And rugby: The Six Nations reaches its second round this weekend, starting with the match between Ireland and Italy in Dublin. Then Scotland will welcome England to Murrayfield in Edinburgh, hoping to retain their good showing of the last few years against the visitors. Tomorrow, Wales will host defending champion France in Cardiff. England is currently top of the log after its comprehensive victory over Wales in the first round. France is second, Italy third, Scotland fourth, Ireland fifth and Wales in its usual last place.

Stay tuned for more news………….