News 08:00

BULLETIN 27 April 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa leads Freedom Day celebrations at the Union Buildings
# Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan shows promising results
# And, rugby: Werner Kok shines with a hat-trick for the Sharks

# President Cyril Ramaphosa is today leading the Freedom Day national celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, marking the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic dispensation. The event, themed 30 years of democracy, partnership, and growth, coincides with the 28th anniversary of the Constitution’s enactment as the supreme law. The commemoration aims to deepen understanding of South Africa’s history, foster dialogue on its constitutional journey, and unite government, stakeholders and partners in celebrating democratic progress. The occasion precedes the 29 May elections, highlighting civic engagement and democratic evolution.

Rise Mzansi is set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Freedom Day in Soweto today. Party leader Songezo Zibi and supporters will be joined by struggle veteran Seth Mazibuko for a freedom walk through historically significant streets. Mazibuko is one of the most prominent leaders of the 16 June 1976 Soweto uprising. Spokesperson Mabine Seabe says the walk symbolises the ongoing fight for democracy and highlights the need for progress:

# Eskom’s group executive for generation, Bheki Nxumalo, has reported significant improvements in plant performance due to the execution of the generation recovery plan. Briefing the media on Eskom’s State of the System and Winter Outlook, Nxumalo highlighted the safeguarding of power stations like Medupi, Lethabi, Matimba, and peaking stations. He said priority stations, including Tutuka, Duvha, Majuba, Matla, Kendal, Arnot, Kriel and Koeberg, remain the focus:

# Rugby: Werner Kok celebrated his 50th appearance for the Sharks with a hat-trick against Scarlets in Wales. The team lost to Glasgow Warriors last week but beat Scarlets 32-27 in the United Rugby Championship last night. The Bulls are expected to have a tough task at Loftus against the Ospreys his afternoon. The Lions face Munster in Johannesburg. And, when the Stormers face Leinster in Cape Town this evening, prop Brok Harris will become the first player to reach 150 appearances for the team in the URC.

# And, rural female engineering students from Limpopo, North West and the Free State are set to travel to India for a solar panel manufacturing and installation learning programme. It is spearheaded by Women, Youth and People with Disabilities minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority. Spokesperson Cassius Selala says when they return, the students will be empowered to start solar businesses, supported by various government departments:

Stay tuned for more news………….