News 07:00

BULLETIN 28 February 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Eskom outlines a long-term plan to stabilise the ferrochrome industry
# MISA steps in to protect jobs and retail motor workers
# And Bill Clinton says he knew nothing of Epstein’s activities

# Eskom says it’s working on long-term solutions to support the struggling ferrochrome industry. Following a temporary tariff intervention earlier this year, the utility has proposed a framework with a tariff of 62-cents per kilowatt-hour, aimed at stabilising smelter operations while protecting jobs. Eskom’s Dan Marokane says the utility will continue collaborating with government, labour, and industry to ensure industrial growth, safeguard electricity supply, and minimise cost impacts on households and businesses:

Meanwhile, the ANC welcomes the intervention by the minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, to stabilise the ferrochrome industry. The party says the move protects thousands of jobs, supports local economies, and strengthens industrial capacity, in line with its ten-point economic action plan. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu calls for continued efforts to ensure long-term competitiveness, job retention, and inclusive economic growth:

# The Motor Industry Staff Association says it will protect jobs and speak up for retail motor workers in the South African automotive master plan 2035. Representing over 75-thousand members, MISA highlighted challenges facing 311-thousand employees in the retail sector. The association’s Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s executive oversight committee will now work with MISA to ensure the plan supports job security and strengthens the automotive industry:

# The GOOD Party urges the George municipality in the Western Cape to focus on projects that directly benefit communities and support youth development. The party says the adjustment budget currently favours showcase events over local needs, and vulnerable families still lack support. GOOD’s Rosa Louw calls on mayor Browen Johnson to prioritise practical initiatives that strengthen communities and provide meaningful opportunities for young people. She added that there cannot be talk of youth empowerment if the most vulnerable households receive no direct relief.  

# Former US President Bill Clinton told the House of Representatives Oversight Committee that he “saw nothing that gave him pause” when he spent time with Jeffrey Epstein. The former president gave closed-door testimony about his relationship with the late sex offender. In a prepared statement, he said that he would not have flown on the late financier’s plane if he had known about his alleged sex trafficking of underage girls, and would have reported him if he did.

# Cricket: The Proteas face neighbours Zimbabwe in their final T20 World Cup Super Eights match in Delhi, India, tomorrow, after winning all six of their previous matches. South Africa has already qualified for the semi-finals, while Zimbabwe’s tournament ends tomorrow. Today’s action sees co-hosts Sri Lanka facing Pakistan in Pallekele. The first semi-final will be played on Wednesday and the second one on Thursday, with the final being scheduled for next Sunday.

Stay tuned for more news………….