News 07:00

BULLETIN 25 January 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cosatu says the Expropriation Act is a step toward equal access to resources
# AfriForum urges Nersa to ensure fair municipal tariff hikes
# And, tennis: Sabalenka is the overwhelming favourite to down Keys in Australian Open final

# Union federation Cosatu says the newly signed Expropriation Act is a significant step toward equal access to land and resources. According to the federation, the act replaces outdated apartheid era laws, enabling the government to address land inequality through expropriation with full, partial, or no compensation. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks calls for swift implementation to empower the dispossessed and promote transformation:

Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen will today outline the party’s plan to challenge the Expropriation Act and National Health Insurance Act, which he believes threaten South Africa’s future. Steenhuisen will also address the implications these laws have on the government of national unity. He warns that DA will not stand by as the government undermines citizens’ rights and vows to hold the government accountable for what they view as unconstitutional actions.

# AfriForum is pressuring Nersa to enforce strict compliance with cost-of-supply studies for municipal electricity tariff applications. This follows a High Court ruling last year deeming tariff hikes approved without such studies unlawful. AfriForum’s Morné Mostert demands clarity on Nersa’s steps to ensure fair, cost-effective electricity tariffs. He emphasises the importance of compliance to protect consumers and maintain transparency in South Africa’s energy sector:

# Ukraine reportedly hit a Russian oil refinery and targeted Moscow during an attack involving a wave of at least 121 drones, one of the largest single operations of its kind during the war. Video footage verified by the BBC shows a fireball rising over the refinery and pumping station in the Ryazan region, southeast of Moscow. The Kremlin acknowledged the attacks but made no mention of damage or casualties. It claimed to have destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones, including six over the Moscow region.

# And tennis: Few would put their money on American Madison Keys in today’s final against world number one Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open. The Belarusian is vying for her fourth Grand Slam title after winning in Melbourne the past two years and winning the US Open last year. Twenty-nine-year-old Keys’ only previous appearance in a Grand Slam final was in her home country in 2017. In the men’s game, defending champion Jannik Sinner of Italy will play second-seeded German Alexander Zverev in Melbourne tomorrow.

Stay tuned for more news………….