News 09:00

BULLETIN 24 October 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Parliament welcomes the Revised White Paper as a foundation for municipal reform
# Koeberg Unit One is reconnected to the national grid
# And soccer: Kaizer Chiefs is out of Confederation Cup after losing against Zambia

# Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has welcomed the launch of the Revised White Paper on Local Government, describing it as an opportunity to address structural weaknesses in municipalities. The policy framework aims to build accountable and financially sustainable municipalities that can deliver reliable services and respond to community needs. Committee chairperson Zweli Mkhize emphasised that effective implementation of the revised policy framework will require clearer accountability across all three spheres of government.

# Lawyers for Human Rights says South Africa’s title deed system and high conveyancing costs are fuelling property disputes. This follows a Pretoria High Court ruling in favour of Henrietta Phakathi, a grandmother who has spent more than ten years fighting to secure the title deed to her home in Sebokeng, Vaal. Phakathi bought the house from her brother-in-law, Dumisane Mgcina, in 2004 and completed payments in 2011 using her wages as a domestic worker. Lawyers for Human Rights’ David Dickinson says her case highlights the difficulties people face in securing legal ownership of property:

# Forum for South Africa has rejected the revised white paper on local government, warning that proposed reforms could undermine municipal autonomy and weaken local democracy. The forum’s Tebogo Mashilompane says plans to introduce compulsory licensing for water and electricity services could limit municipalities’ ability to manage these services and deliver on election promises. Mashilompane calls for meaningful public participation before any changes are implemented:

# Eskom says Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 1 has been successfully reconnected to the national grid following recovery work. The utility’s spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena says the unit is stable, with generation being gradually increased to full capacity. She says Unit 1 shut down last Friday after an electrical disturbance during maintenance testing on Unit 2 triggered protection systems to kick in:

# Rand Merchant Bank, the corporate and investment banking arm of South Africa’s FirstRand, has opened an advisory business in Beijing to connect Chinese companies and investors with trade and investment opportunities across Africa. FirstRand CEO Mary Vilakazi says China brings capital, technology, manufacturing capability and an ability to build at scale and speed. Africa brings a young population, significant infrastructure needs and considerable opportunities in industrialisation, processing and manufacturing. She added RMB will help Chinese companies navigate African regulatory frameworks, currency and liquidity risks, cross-border payments and local operating requirements.

# And soccer: Kaizer Chiefs have crashed out of the CAF Confederation Cup after losing 3-2 on penalties to Zambia’s Red Arrows in Durban. Chiefs won Friday’s second-leg encounter 1-nil at Moses Mabhida Stadium, thanks to Bradley Cross’s second-half header, levelling the aggregate score at 1-all. However, Amakhosi wasted several clear scoring opportunities before the match went to a penalty shootout. Misses by Lebohang Maboe, Reeve Frosler and Ethan Chislett proved costly, ending Chiefs’ hopes of reaching the group stage.

Stay tuned for more news………….