News 07:00

BULLETIN 1 February 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA says load-shedding is a devastating reality ahead of SONA
# The Weather Service issues a heatwave alert for Gauteng and the surrounding provinces
# And, cricket: Only pride is at stake for DSG in tonight’s final SA20 match

# The DA says load-shedding has become a devastating reality, with stage three power cuts set for the weekend, just days before the state of the nation address. They also condemned a 12.7-percent tariff hike, leaving citizens facing higher costs for unreliable power. The DA’s Kevin Mileham calls for bold reforms, including recovering municipal debt, separating Eskom’s divisions, and privatising power generation:

Meanwhile, Electricity and Energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has reiterated that protecting the grid remains the government’s top priority. In a media briefing, he confirmed progress in reducing load-shedding but warned that planned maintenance and breakdowns need careful management to avoid a system collapse. Multiple units failed at Eskom’s best-performing power stations, Matimba and Lethabo, causing operational challenges. Ramokgopa assured the public that Eskom is replenishing emergency reserves:

# Gauteng residents are urged to take precautions as a heatwave of 33- to 35-degrees Celsius is expected in Johannesburg, Vereeniging, and Pretoria. The South African Weather Service has also confirmed heatwaves in Mpumalanga and Limpopo this weekend. Residents should stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and protect vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms and fire risk warnings have been issued for several provinces. Authorities advise caution to prevent heat-related illnesses and fire hazards.

# The United Nations has voiced alarm at rampant violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as the M23 armed group pushes deeper into the country, warning of summary executions and widespread rapes. The group’s capture of most of the capital of North Kivu province, Goma, was a dramatic escalation in a region that has seen decades of conflict involving multiple armed groups. The UN is deeply concerned by credible reports that the Rwandan-backed M23 was advancing south from Goma to the capital of neighbouring South Kivu, Baku.

# And cricket: Only pride is at stake for Durban’s Super Giants when they play their final SA20 match against Joburg Super Kings at the Wanderers tonight. The team, which reached the final last year, couldn’t survive the group phase this year after winning only one out of eight matches. Joburg is still in the playoff zone, winning four games while one was undecided. Durban’s captain, Keshav Maharaj, says although hard work sometimes doesn’t transfer to results on the field, he is still very proud of his team.

Stay tuned for more news………….