News 09:00

BULLETIN 25 April 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ronald Lamola urges a resolution in the Lungu burial dispute
# Eskom reports improved power stability despite an escalated demand
# And rugby: Edinburgh ruin Sharks’ playoff hopes with five tries

# International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola has urged the Zambian government and former president Edgar Lungu’s family to resolve their burial dispute amicably outside the court process. The stalemate has continued for over ten months following Lungu’s death in Pretoria in June 2025. Lamola told SABC News that there should be continuous respect of the court decisions, emphasising that mediation could allow resolutions to ensure Lungu is buried without delay:

# Eskom says the power system remains stable despite high demand. The utility reports improved performance, with the Energy Availability Factor rising to 60.47-percent and diesel spending dropping by over 87-percent year-on-year. Unplanned outages have also declined, easing pressure on the grid. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says the progress reflects its recovery plan, with nearly a year of minimal supply interruptions, signalling improved reliability and cost efficiency across the electricity system:

# The MK Party has written to the chairperson of the Nkabinde inquiry into Advocate Andrew Chauke’s fitness to serve as a prosecutor, Justice Elizabeth Nkabinde, calling for urgent steps to secure the attendance of former National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi. The party says Batohi, who initiated the complaint, withdrew from cross-examination after giving initial testimony, undermining procedural fairness. It is now demanding a subpoena, possible adverse findings, and further investigation into her conduct, warning that the inquiry’s credibility and public trust are at risk.

# Norway will present a bill in Parliament by year-end ‌to ban children from using social media until they turn 16, making technology companies responsible for age verification. Several European nations are seeking to rein in ⁠children’s use of social media. Australia took the lead with a world-first ban on under-16s last December. The ban covers apps such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, ⁠Snapchat, YouTube and X. Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Stoere says children’s play, friendships, and everyday ‌life ⁠must not be taken over by algorithms and screens.

# Rugby: The Sharks saw their slim hope of reaching the playoffs of the United Rugby Championships come to an end after a 33-28 defeat against Edinburgh last night. With less than 25 minutes remaining in the match at the Hive Stadium the Sharks were leading 21-14. However, the visitors conceded three tries in quick succession as Edinburgh seized control. Edinburgh’s five tries came from Ewan Ashman, Glen Young, Mosese Tuipoluto, Hector Patterson and Darcy Graham. Edwill van der Merwe, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Koch and Vincent Tshituka added the Sharks’ four tries, all converted by Jean Smith.

# And finally: A handcrafted burrata from Puglia Cheese in Somerset West in the Western Cape has been named South Africa’s Dairy Product of the Year at the 2026 SA dairy championships held in Paarl. The cheese, made from 100-percent South African milk, stood out among a record entry of over one-thousand from 81 producers. Judges praised the winning product for its quality and authenticity. Puglia Cheese founders, Davide and Ursula Ostuni, said the award is recognition of years of craftsmanship and commitment to traditional cheese-making.

Stay tuned for more news………….