News 07:00

BULLETIN 24 January 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Government is prioritising integrated infrastructure plans
# The Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria owes nearly eight-million-rand in utilities
# And Russia, Ukraine, and the US hold trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi

# Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa says government is prioritising integrated infrastructure plans across sectors, through its one-trillion-rand fund for public infrastructure over the medium-term. Ramokgopa says about 26-percent of the Infrastructure Fund has been approved, including ten-major projects worth 37.1-billion-rand. Ramokgopa says delays persist due to municipal capacity constraints and procurement inefficiencies. She recommends supporting capacity-constrained municipalities and expanding blended finance to mobilise private sector participation:

# Sakeliga is taking legal steps to enable farmers and the private sector to respond independently to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The business organisation argues that government restrictions on vaccines and control measures are hindering effective action and worsening the outbreak. Sakeliga CEO Piet le Roux says industry-led efforts are needed to control the disease quickly and effectively:

# The City of Tshwane says it has disconnected electricity at several sites owing millions in unpaid bills. Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility owes nearly eight-million-rand, the South African Police Service Academy 3.8-million-rand, and State Information Technology Agency offices in Pretoria Central 4.3-million-rand. Mayoral committee member for Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka, urged all residents and businesses to pay their accounts to keep services running:

# Russian, Ukrainian, and US negotiators are holding talks in the United Arab Emirates, in what officials say is the first meeting attended by all three countries since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion nearly four years ago. The Kremlin confirmed Russian officials is attending the talks, following a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US envoys in Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he regarded the Abu Dhabi talks as a step to hopefully end the war. However, he emphasised that the future status of territory in eastern Ukraine remained an unsolved issue.

# Sports news:

# Rugby: The Stormers have been boosted by the return of three Springboks in their backline for their United Rugby Championship derby against the Sharks at the Cape Town stadium tonight. Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, inside centre Damian Willemse and fullback Warrick Gelant are back in the starting line-up. One change was made to the loose trio, with Marcel Theunissen coming in for Evan Roos, who is resting due to a minor groin strain. The Stormers are the log leaders, while the Sharks are languishing at 14th place, desperate for a win.

# And cricket: Sunrisers Eastern Cape decimated Paarl Royals by seven wickets with 72 balls remaining, in their SA20 Qualifier 2 at Wanderers yesterday, securing their place in the final. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Royals struggled, posting a modest 114/7. Kyle Verreynne top-scored with 52, while Senuran Muthusamy took 3/15. In reply, the Sunrisers chased the target in a blistering 7.4 overs. James Coles hit a rapid 35 off 17 balls, powering his team to victory and their fourth consecutive final appearance against the Pretoria Capitals.

Stay tuned for more news………….