News 07:00

BULLETIN 22 June 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# OUTA urges president Ramaphosa to reshape the Cabinet for better governance
# Load-shedding suspension continues uninterrupted for 86 days
# And, cricket:  The Proteas are inching closer to the T20 World Cup semis after beating England by 7 runs

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse urges president Cyril Ramaphosa to carefully consider new Cabinet appointments for effective change. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage calls for a streamlined cabinet to enhance efficiency and fiscal management, including transparency and accountability in governance.  The organisation denounces the potential reappointment of certain ministers, including Blade Nzimande, Sindisiwe Chikunga and Gwede Mantashe, citing ongoing inefficiencies and corruption in their respective departments:

# Load-shedding has now been suspended for 86 consecutive days. Eskom has announced load-shedding continues to be suspended until further notice. This is due to the ongoing intense focus on maintaining the gains made in the reliability and stability of the generation coal fleet during the winter months.  However, the issue of network overloading has resurfaced in some areas due to electricity theft. Eskom spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena:

Eskom will meanwhile seek exemptions from Minimum Emissions Standards for five coal stations operating beyond 2030. Permission was granted by former Environment minister Barbara Creecy to operate Hendrina, Grootvlei, Arnot, Camden, and Kriel at current limits until 31 March 2030. Eskom must submit a decommissioning plan within 12-months. Additional exemption applications for other stations are also due within 60-days.

# Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the launch of accession talks with the EU next week, a step that will formally mark the start of his country’s path towards joining the bloc. The announcement comes well into the third year of Russia’s invasion, often portrayed by Ukraine as an existential fight to be part of the West and Europe. European Union ministers will start negotiations first with Ukraine and then with Moldova in Luxembourg on Tuesday.

# And, cricket: England’s hope of reaching the T20 World Cup semi-finals hang in the balance after losing a thriller in the final over against South Africa in St Lucia. England were chasing the Proteas’ 163 for 6, with 14 runs needed from the last six balls. The game swung in the South Africans’ favour when Aiden Markram caught Harry Brook for 53 off the first ball of the final over. South Africa are now on the brink of qualification for the semi-finals, having won both their Super 8 matches so far. They are up against the West Indies next.

Stay tuned for more news………….