News 06:00

BULLETIN 25 February 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Load-shedding has been reduced to stage 2
# Zelenskyy warns countries with Russian-speaking populations
# And cricket: Bavuma believes the Proteas can exploit Australia’s inexperience today

# Loadshedding has been reduced to stage two until further notice following the recovery of more units. More to follow in our next bulletin

# The MK Party has rejected the proposed two-percent VAT increase, stating it will disproportionately burden the poor. The party argues the government should explore alternative revenue sources instead of raising taxes on struggling citizens. Addressing the media, the party’s secretary general, Floyd Shivambu urged the government to explore alternative ways to raise revenue, such as tackling tax erosion and reducing financial losses in municipalities and other government sectors:

Meanwhile, MK has confirmed that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has been charged with ill-discipline after a recent profanity-laden rant directed at the party’s secretary general, Floyd Shivambu. Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader and former president Jacob Zuma, later issued two public apologies for her actions. MK deputy secretary general, Nombuso Mkhize, at a media briefing yesterday confirmed that Zuma-Sambudla has been formally charged: 

# Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi says they have identified 13 key issues facing the province. These include unemployment, water and electricity shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, crime, and mushrooming of informal settlements. He delivered the state of the province address in Tshwane yesterday evening. Lesufi says the province is aligned with the three strategic priorities of the medium-term development plan, drive inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and build a capable, ethical, and developmental state:

# IFP has declared a hands-off Ithala campaign in response to the threat of the KwaZulu-Natal bank’s closure. The party has submitted a memorandum to the South African Reserve Bank, calling for an end to the bank’s liquidation and the approval of a banking license. IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says they will protect the legacy of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who founded the bank, and defend the vulnerable people who rely on it.

# Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has warned countries with significant Russian-speaking populations could be next in Moscow’s sights. He said the most dangerous moment is when countries in eastern Europe have people with Russian roots, not because they pose any threat, but because the Kremlin will use their safety as a pretence for invasion. He named Poland, Slovakia, Latvia, Moldova and Estonia as some of the countries potentially under threat if Ukraine should fall.

# Cricket: Proteas captain Temba Bavuma believes they can exploit Australia’s inexperienced quick bowling attack in today’s Champions League match in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The Aussies lost five veteran bowlers shortly before the tournament and conceded 351 runs during this past weekend’s game against England, but then succeeded in easily chasing down the target. Bavuma says they will never underestimate Australia. Their new seam attack, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson, just have combined one-day international experience of 17 matches between them.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-35-cents and the euro at 19-rand-20-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-15-cents and Bitcoin trades at 91-thousand-775-dollar-20-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-950-dollars-49-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-84-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….