News 09:00

BULLETIN 10 January 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Participating ships arrive in Simon’s Town for the Will for Peace naval exercise
# Eskom says adverse weather conditions and fires cause faults across the country
# And the National Blood Service urges South Africans to donate blood

# The South African National Defence Force has acknowledged the arrival of naval vessels assigned to participate in Exercise Will For Peace 2026 in Simon’s Town in the Western Cape. Participating ships from China, Russia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates arrived in the country yesterday. SANDF spokesperson Mpho Mathebula says the multinational maritime exercise, led by China – with South Africa providing the training area – represents a significant collaborative undertaking in the domain of international defence cooperation:

# Eskom says persistent adverse weather conditions, together with fires in the Coega, Humansdorp, and Sarah Baartman areas in the Eastern Cape, have increased faults across its distribution network. Power utility acting spokesperson, Aubrey Sambo, says Eskom teams continue to diligently restore power safely and efficiently in affected areas, while prioritising the safety of both its staff and the public throughout the restoration process:

# The Forum for South Africa is demanding immediate arrests and prosecutions of illegal initiation school operators, including traditional leaders and officials who knowingly enable unlawful practices. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Velenkosini Hlabisa announced that a total of 48 initiates have lost their lives nationwide, with the Eastern Cape and Free State recording the highest number of fatalities. FOSA leader, Tebogo Mashilompane, says this recurring tragedy reflects serious failures in enforcement and preventative intervention:

# The Iranian regime has barred internet access in the country following the latest wave of protests reported. Texting and mobile data are down, cellular networks are severely limited, and even accessing the internet via Starlink satellites seems to be affected. Amir Rashidi, Director of Digital Rights and Security at Miaan Group, an activist NGO focusing on Iran, the Middle East, and North Africa, says the disruption of all communications, especially the Starlink network, is massive. Widespread anti-government protests have plagued Iran since 28 December.

# Swimming: French Olympian Damien Joly has confirmed his participation in next month’s Midmar Mile in KwaZulu-Natal. He says the event in the Midmar Dam is a very well-known race, and he was happy to be invited. Joly describes it as a great opportunity to race in a different environment and enjoy a strong and passionate swimming community. The Midmar Mile attracts thousands of participants each year. This year’s event takes place over the first weekend of February.

# And finally: The South African National Blood Service urges South Africans to donate blood as national stocks are below optimal levels following the festive season. Blood donations typically decline in January due to holiday travel, closed workplaces, and disrupted donor routines. SANBS especially encourages O and B blood group donors, but all blood groups are needed to help patients in hospitals. Eligible donors are asked to visit their nearest donor centre or mobile drive to help stabilise supplies.

Stay tuned for more news………….