News 07:00

BULLETIN 15 Desember 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Mashatile says the GNU formation wasn’t the ANC’s ideal choice [SOUND]
# Eskom awaits a thorough investigation into a transformer explosion at the Matla Power Station
# And, cricket: Reeza Hendricks saves the day for the Proteas in a thrilling T20

# ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile said forming the government of national unity was not the ANC’s first choice. This follows the SACP’s decision to run independently in the 2026 local elections, opposing the ANC’s alliance with the DA. Speaking at the South African Communist Party’s special national congress in Boksburg, Mashatile explained that the ANC chose a coalition government to further the goals of a national democratic society, as outlined in the Freedom Charter:

# Eskom awaits a thorough investigation into the transformer explosion that occured at its Matla Power Substation in Mpumalanga. Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on Friday visited the nine employees that were injured during the incident. During a briefing, the utility said it is yet to acquire permission from the Labour Department in order to assess the exact damages and determine the scope of work that needs to be done. Officials also confirmed that specialists have been brought in to help speed up the investigation.

# The City of Cape Town in partnership with the South African Police Service has launched its largest festive season safety deployment. Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, highlights deployment across tourist hotspots, beaches and CBDs. He says joint operations aim to focus on high-crime areas, economic zones, and use advanced tech like CCTV and body cams:

# President-elect Donald Trump is personally extending inauguration invitations to foreign leaders that have clashed with the United States recently. He has already asked Chinese president Xi Jinping to attend the ceremony scheduled for 20th January. Trump’s spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, told Fox News it is an example of him creating open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just US allies, but also adversaries and competitors. Three of Trump’s close allies, El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentinean president Javier Milei, have also been invited.

# And, cricket: The Proteas’ opening batsman Reeza Hendricks played an incredible innings at Centurion last night, leading the Proteas to a memorable 7 wicket win over Pakistan in their second T20. The South African opener was in his finest form, hitting 10 sixes, scoring 117 off 63 balls. He was finely supported by Rassie van der Dussen who scored 63 off 38 balls. The visitors who elected to bat first, managed 210 for 5. The Proteas have now won the series, leading 2-0 with one to play at the Wanderers tonight. 

Stay tuned for more news………….