News 11:00

BULLETIN 7 July 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Icy weather is expected on the N3 toll route today
# NERSA confirms TotalEnergies commits to major gas discoveries off South Africa’s coast
# And, rugby: Wales slip out of the world top ten for the first time after their Wallabies defeat

# Motorists on the N3 between KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have been cautioned to expect icy weather and high winds as well as busy traffic today. N3 Toll Concession chief operating official Thania Dhoogra says with schools reopening and yesterday’s Durban July event, northbound traffic towards Gauteng will increase from midday. The South African Weather Service warns of a severe cold front, causing potential traffic disruptions. Dhoogra calls on drivers to take precautions, especially near Van Reenen’s Pass:

# The African Transformation Movement has filed court papers at the Gauteng High Court to set aside Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s Phala Phala report. ATM president Vuyo Zungula argues that Gcaleka’s investigation into president Cyril Ramaphosa’s conduct was flawed and influenced by a conflict of interest. He claims the findings were predetermined and lacked thoroughness, highlighting procedural failures and questioning the investigation’s integrity.

# The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has confirmed that TotalEnergies plans to stay invested in its significant gas finds off the southern coast. According to News24, Nersa’s Thulebona Nxumalo says the company, after initial plans to exit, decided to remain following engagements with government and stakeholders. Nxumalo says this follows speculation after partner, Corporation for National Research Initiatives, announced plans to divest its 20-percent stake. TotalEnergies holds a 45-percent stake, with notable discoveries at the Brulpadda and Luiperd wells off the south coast.

# The South African Human Rights Commission will investigate a fire at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital’s psychiatric unit in Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng, that claimed the life of 35-year-old Lerato Mohlamme. The provincial Health Department says the cause remains unknown. Mohlamme, who died in a seclusion room, was laid to rest yesterday. The commission’s Zamantungwa Mbeki emphasised to eNCA the need for proper investigations and accountability:

# And, rugby: Wales will slip to 11th in the world rankings tomorrow – the first time they will ever be out of the top-ten. This follows their 25-16 defeat to Australia in the first Test in Sydney, their eighth successive defeat. The Wallabies were desperate for victory after their disastrous era under Eddie Jones, giving new coach Joe Schmidt a winning start. Earlier, the All Blacks felt how good it was to win by a single point when they edged out England 16-15 in the first Test in Dunedin.

Stay tuned for more news………….