News 11:00

BULLETIN 1 November 11am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Politically motivated killings have risen to 50 ahead of the local government elections
# Two suspects were arrested in connection with the brutal attack on a farmer in North West
# And soccer: Orlando Pirates are victorious in the Soweto Derby and secure the bragging rights

# At least 50 people have been killed in suspected political assassinations and violence in South Africa ahead of the local government elections on November fourth. This figure exceeds the full-year totals for both the 2021 municipal election and the 2024 national election. KwaZulu-Natal accounts for the highest number of attacks, followed by Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North West and the Western Cape. The MK Party, ANC and the IFP have been the most affected. The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime says the killings impact the country’s electoral processes and democracy.

# Eskom has detailed operational plans in place, including intensifying its 24-hour network monitoring system and prioritising operational response in areas supporting electoral activities, to minimise the risk of any potential disruption. This as South Africans will vote in the local government elections, with special voting taking place on Monday and Tuesday, and the majority of citizens expected to cast their ballots on Wednesday. Eskom’s spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says improved generation performance has strengthened the electricity system, with 533 consecutive days without loadshedding recorded: 

# North West police have arrested two suspects in connection with the brutal farm attack and robbery in Syferfontein, Ventersdorp, earlier this week. Fifty-year-old farmer Donovan Marks was shot and assaulted during the attack on Wednesday. He is still recovering in hospital. Provincial Police Commissioner Peter Adams says Marks’ bakkie, which was stolen by the suspects, was found abandoned yesterday. He says the vehicle is being processed to determine whose DNA was deposited:

# Gauteng Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs is piloting a new water monitoring system developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research to detect leaks and monitor chlorine levels. The telemetry-based water monitoring pilot project aims to prevent water-related health crises such as those experienced in Bronkhorstspruit and Hammanskraal. MEC Jacob Mamabolo says the technology will track water levels and flow across distribution networks, helping authorities identify problems early. The system is also expected to hold municipalities accountable for water supply challenges.

# A largely peaceful mass protest over the cost of living turned violent in Frankfurt, Germany’s financial hub, as rioters looted shops and targeted emergency workers yesterday. The new German youth-led movement dubbed “Gen Z” protested against the high cost of living, underfunded schools and universities, environmental concerns and a potential reintroduction of mandatory military service. Riot police also had to be deployed in other German cities, including Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg. The unrest in Germany follows similar youth-led mass protests in France.

# And soccer: Orlando Pirates secured the bragging rights in the Soweto derby, defeating Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in Johannesburg. The Buccaneers broke the deadlock in the 24th minute through Yanela Mbuthuma, and Amakhosi equalised through Pule Mmodi, who capitalised on an error by Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. In the second half, Tshepang Moremi’s 55th-minute goal proved to be the winner as Pirates reclaimed the top spot in the Premiership standings. Buccaneers coach Abdeslam Ouaddou admitted that he got his first-half tactics wrong:

Stay tuned for more news………….