News 09:00
BULLETIN 25 November 9 am
Good morning. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Eskom is working on interventions to lower load-shedding stages
# Cape Chamber of Commerce collaborates with stakeholders to address the gridlock at the port
# And, cricket: Young Protea women’s players are recognised for their performances at professional level
# Eskom is actively working on interventions to lower load-shedding stages. This comes as load-shedding was escalated from stage 4 to stage 6 for the weekend. Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa outlined key measures, including the urgent commitment for the return of generational units and the replenishment of emergency reserves. He told the media these interventions are critical to the stability and protection of the grid:
# The Cape Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with stakeholders to address the gridlock at the port of Cape Town. South African ports are facing significant traffic and delays, with over 60 vessels anchored in Durban. State-owned logistics company Transnet estimates it will take more than four months to clear the backlog. Cape Town’s port is experiencing delays of 12 to 14 days, prompting some vessels to bypass it. The chamber’s CEO John Lawson blames government’s lack of urgency for the situation.
# The Labour Court has found municipal systems amendments unlawful. The law bars all municipal workers from holding office in a political party, which is unconstitutional. This ruling has been viewed as a victory for all municipal workers who faced the threat of having their constitutional rights stripped away under the pretext of depoliticising local government. The KwaZulu-Natal chairperson of the South African Local Government Association, Thami Ntuli, told eNCA SALGA welcomes the ruling but seeks to deliberate on the implication:
# South Africa’s General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, designed to restructure intelligence services, is set to open for public comment next week. The bill aims to prevent the State Security Agency from spying on individuals without informing them once the surveillance concludes. Despite concerns about the tight three-month timeline for parliamentary processes, the ad hoc committee is moving forward. The bill, responding to a presidential review panel and the Zondo commission, has implications for non-governmental organisations and churches, requiring a vetting process. Public feedback will be sought until early January.
# And, cricket: Proteas women’s coach Hilton Moreeng has chosen a blend of experienced and young players for a three-match T20 series against Bangladesh in South Africa. The series starts on 3 December. The team will be led by Laura Wolvaardt, who had been appointed fulltime captain in all three formats. Marizanne Kapp gets rested, while Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk are injured. Exciting young players Ayana Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx will make their debuts. Moreeng says they are rewarded for their performances at professional level:
Stay tuned for more news………….