News 09:00

BULLETIN 4 April 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul Mashatile says the ANC is open to broader political party partnerships
# Eskom reports improved generation stability and major diesel savings
# And, an American F-15 fighter jet is shot down over Iran, with one crew member missing

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the ANC remains open to working with political parties that are committed to serving South Africa. He was speaking on the sidelines of a Good Friday service hosted by Amandla Ngawethu Universal Church at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday. Mashatile emphasised that the possibility of working with parties like the EFF and MK Party in the government of national unity will always remain open:

# The DA will lodge a complaint with the Public Protector against Social Development minister Sisisi Tolashe over alleged breaches of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act. The party claims the minister acted outside legal processes in disciplinary actions and appointments related to the department’s Director-General. It is alleged that Tolashe failed to follow legal prescriptions in initiating disciplinary steps against the former Director-General, Peter Netshipale. DA spokesperson Nazley Sharif alleges Parliament was misled on several occasions and calls for accountability.

# Eskom says South Africa’s power system remains stable, with improved generation performance and a 62-percent year-on-year reduction in diesel usage. The power utility’s execution of the Generation Recovery Plan has lifted the Energy Availability Factor to 65.35-percent. Eskom spokesperson, Daphne Mokoena, says the country has achieved 322 consecutive days without an interruption in electricity supply and recorded 361 uninterrupted days, approximately 99-percent availability, during the 2025/2026 financial year:

# Controversial Gauteng SAPS Organised Crime officer Fannie Nkosi has been arrested in connection with firearms allegedly linked to his brother’s security company and will appear in court on Tuesday. The charges he faces include possession of unlicensed ammunition, theft, defeating the ends of justice, and failure to properly secure firearms and ammunition in terms of the Firearms Control Act. Last week, police executed a search and seizure warrant at his home following his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

# American and Iranian forces are searching for a US service member after a two-seater F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran. One of the two crew members has been rescued. This marks the first time an American aircraft has been shot down over Iran during the conflict. Tehran has claimed responsibility for the incident and has promised a reward if Iranians find and hand over the missing American service member. US president Donald Trump told NBC News that this attack on the fighter jet will not affect any negotiations with Iran.

# And soccer: Mamelodi Sundowns have moved two points clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates in the Premiership, after seeing off Chippa United 4-1 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Goals from Marcelo Allende, Iqraam Rayners, Tashreeq Matthews, and substitute Brayan Leon sealed the vital win for the Brazilians. Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored the only goal for the Chilli Boys, who remain 13th in the standings, two points above the relegation zone. Sundowns will have a chance to open a five-point lead over Pirates if they claim victory against Durban City on Tuesday.

Stay tuned for more news………….