News 06:00

BULLETIN 20 September 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A former Eskom contractor is extradited to South Africa
# Minister Ramokgopa vows to protect South Africans against rising energy costs
# And the Hezbollah leader calls the device attacks a declaration of war

# Former Kusile Power Station contractor Michael Lomas has reportedly been extradited to South Africa and is expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport at 9 am this morning. Last month, a London court ruled that the 77-year-old, charged with an allegedly corrupt 745-million-rand Kusile contract, can be extradited to the country. Lomas fought his extradition, citing mental health issues, but the court rejected this. Police say Lomas is being accompanied into the country by SAPS Interpol SA and will be handed over to the Hawks.

# Electricity and Energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has pledged to protect South Africans from the rising cost of energy. In a Parliamentary debate sponsored by the DA, he proposed extending the timeline for recovering Eskom’s eight-billion-rand 2021/2022 debt and improving municipal efficiency to lessen the financial strain on consumers. Ramokgopa assured members of Parliament that the government will strive for a sustainable energy system while addressing economic challenges: 

# The City of Tshwane says clean water is on the way for Hammanskraal residents, with the Magalies Water package plant nearing completion. The plant, which will come online in phases over the next few months, is expected to address the long-standing water crisis. Briefing the media, mayor Cilliers Brink highlighted ongoing efforts to refurbish the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant and ensure reliable water access: 

# Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has called this week’s deadly device attacks in Lebanon a declaration of war. At least 37 people were killed and more than two-thousand-600 injured when pagers and walkie-talkies exploded on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hezbollah blames Israel for the attacks. Nasrallah says the device attacks crossed all limits, rules, and red lines and paid no heed to innocent people. He adds that Israel will meet a just punishment.

# Tennis: South Africa’s controlling body says disarray in some provincial structures is at the root of Tennis SA’s operating loss of nearly 300-thousand-rand the year ended March 31. TSA president Gavin Crookes says in its annual report it is astounding that some provinces cannot hold annual general meetings, produce reliable financial statements, and hold elections for office bearers. He adds this reflects a total lack of commitment from members. Crookes also expresses serious concern about the state of disrepair of the country’s main tennis stadiums.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-46-cents and the euro at 19-rand-51-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-22-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-979-dollars-77-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-587-dollars-19-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-89-cents a barrel.

# And finally: United States stars Busta Rhymes and Jason Derulo will headline the DStv Delicious Festival on Saturday, after Janet Jackson withdrew due to family commitments. R&B singer Jill Scott will headline the second day. The festival at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit also includes local acts like Thandiswa Mazwai, Cassper Nyovest, and others. 

Stay tuned for more news………….