News 09:00

BULLETIN 16 March 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Saftu rejects the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill
# Solidarity opposes the transformation requirements in the financial sector
# And, cricket: A teen has been included in the women’s T20 international squad

# Saftu is displeased that the Electricity Amendment Regulation Bill was passed by parliament. In the federation’s submission to Parliament opposing the Bill, it noted that it establishes a framework for the creation of a transmission company and a market for energy generators. Saftu’s spokesperson, Trevor Shaku, says this will further the privatisation of energy provision:

# Trade union Solidarity says the financial sector faces potential harm from race directives on businesses and employees. Concerns arise as the Financial Sector Conduct Authority aligns with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commission’s transformation requirements. The union argues if the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill becomes law, businesses not meeting these rules might lose their authority’s licences for non-compliance. Solidarity’s Riaan Visser urges the authority to prioritise its regulatory role over enforcing racial targets to prevent job losses and business closures.

# Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the city is working at pace to expand the MyCiTi bus service to the metro’s south-east, specifically to Philippi, Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha. Hill-Lewis conducted a progress site visit to two new MyCiTi depots between Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain. The mayor says once complete, hundreds of thousands of commuters will have access to safe, reliable, direct public transport along one of the city’s busiest transport routes:

# Cricket: Lions wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso has been included in the Proteas’ 15-player squad for the home women’s T20 international series against Sri Lanka. The 16-year-old rose to prominence after an impressive performance at the inaugural under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa last year, which saw her named in the Team of the Tournament. The series will be played from 27 March to 3 April in Benoni, Potchefstroom and East London.

# And finally: The Irish actor Pierce Brosnan has apologised after he was given a fine for stepping off a trail in Yellowstone National Park in America. The 70-year-old, known for his roles in James Bond and Mamma Mia! movies, pleaded not guilty in January, but changed his tune and announced on Instagram he didn’t see a warning sign against trespassing. Brosnan walked into the off-limits area in November last year. He was given a fine of about nine-thousand-rand, and ordered to donate 18-thousand-rand to the non-profit Yellowstone Forever.

Stay tuned for more news………….